Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Temporal Arteritis(M31.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Temporal Arteritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Giant Cell ArteritisCranial Arteritis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Temporal Arteritis

M30-M31Primary Range

Polyarteritis and related conditions

This range includes codes for arteritis, including giant cell arteritis, which is synonymous with temporal arteritis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for temporal arteritis

Essential facts and insights about Temporal Arteritis

The ICD-10 code for temporal arteritis is M31.6, used for giant cell arteritis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for temporal arteritis

Giant cell arteritis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of biopsy-confirmed giant cell arteritis.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed symptom documentation including jaw claudication and vision changes.

Applicable To

  • Temporal arteritis

Excludes

  • Takayasu's arteritis (M31.4)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Temporal artery biopsy confirmation
  • Jaw claudication
  • Elevated ESR/CRP
  • Vision loss

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if biopsy results are not documented
  • Incorrect use if symptoms are not linked to arteritis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific symptoms and biopsy results to support M31.6.

Ancillary Codes

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

Visual disturbances

H54.8
Use when vision loss is present due to arteritis.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified necrotizing vasculopathies

M31.5
Use when arteritis is suspected but not confirmed by biopsy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Temporal Arteritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M31.6.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Reduced reimbursement due to less specific coding., Compliance: Potential non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased data accuracy for clinical research.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M31.6 when criteria for giant cell arteritis are met.

Impact

Lack of biopsy documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all biopsy results are documented and accessible.

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 Temporal Arteritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Temporal Arteritis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Temporal Arteritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial Diagnosis of Temporal Arteritis

Specialty: Rheumatology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Biopsy results
  • Lab findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with temporal headache, jaw claudication, and elevated ESR. Biopsy confirms giant cell arteritis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has headache and jaw pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports left-sided temporal headache, jaw claudication, and biopsy shows giant cell arteritis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and biopsy results, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Temporal Arteritis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more