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ICD-10 Coding for Shift Work Sleep Disorder(G47.26)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Shift Work Sleep Disorder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

SWSDShift Work Disorder

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Shift Work Sleep Disorder

G47.20-G47.29Primary Range

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

This range includes disorders related to the body's internal clock, including shift work sleep disorder.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for shift work sleep disorder

Essential facts and insights about Shift Work Sleep Disorder

The ICD-10 code for shift work sleep disorder is G47.26, used for insomnia or excessive sleepiness linked to shift work.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for shift work sleep disorder

Circadian rhythm sleep disorder, shift work type
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient reports insomnia or excessive sleepiness tied to shift work for ≥3 months.

documentation Criteria

  • Work schedule and symptom duration must be documented.

Applicable To

  • Shift work sleep disorder

Excludes

  • Delayed sleep phase type (G47.21)
  • Advanced sleep phase type (G47.22)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Symptoms persist for at least 3 months
  • ESS score ≥10
  • Sleep logs or actigraphy showing circadian misalignment

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding general insomnia instead of SWSD
  • Missing documentation of work schedule

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes work schedule and symptom duration.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Insomnia, unspecified

G47.00
Use if insomnia is a significant focus of treatment alongside SWSD.

Somnolence

R40.0
Use for excessive daytime sleepiness impacting safety.

Occupational exposure to shift work

Z56.82
Optional code to justify work-related etiology.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Circadian rhythm sleep disorder, delayed sleep phase type

G47.21
Symptoms improve with aligned schedule, unlike SWSD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Shift Work Sleep Disorder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G47.26.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis of sleep disorder type., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for work schedule details., Educate staff on the importance of detailed documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on sleep disorder prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Link insomnia to work schedule; code G47.26 first.

Impact

Lack of detailed work schedule documentation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all patient records include specific work schedule details.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Shift Work Sleep Disorder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Shift Work Sleep Disorder. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Shift Work Sleep Disorder in a Nurse

Specialty: Sleep Medicine

Required Elements

  • Work schedule
  • Symptom duration
  • ESS score
  • Actigraphy results

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Pt is a 45yo nurse with 2-year history of insomnia and excessive sleepiness. Reports difficulty falling asleep after 7 AM–7 PM night shifts (3x/week). ESS score: 14/24. Denies snoring or restless legs. **Objective**: Actigraphy (14 days) confirms avg. sleep time: 5 hrs on workdays vs. 7 hrs on days off. PSG rules out OSA. **Assessment**: Shift work sleep disorder (G47.26). Excessive daytime sleepiness (R40.0). **Plan**: Modafinil 200 mg 1 hr before shift; sleep hygiene education; follow-up in 4 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has trouble sleeping due to work.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports insomnia (latency >60 mins) 4 nights/week x 6 months, ESS score 12, working rotating night shifts (11 PM–7 AM) at factory. Actigraphy confirms sleep fragmentation (total sleep time: 4.5 hrs/day on workdays).
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the work schedule, symptom duration, and objective findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Shift Work Sleep Disorder? Ask your questions below.

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