ALS ICD 10 Code

Refresher: What are ICD-10 codes?

ICD-10 stands for International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. It is a procedure and diagnostic coding system supported by WHO (World Health Organization). ICD-10 replaced its counterpart ICD-9 in 2015. ICD-9 was created in 1977. However, as the medical world advanced, there was soon a need for a more up-to-date version, which resulted in the release of ICD-10 in 2015. The ICD-10 coding system is a revolutionary method of categorizing diseases and injuries. It improves diagnostic and clinical communication by providing additional information beneath each code.

Many nations currently use their own ICD-10 coding system tailored to their healthcare systems. For example, the US variation of ICD-10 comprises two sets of medical codes: ICD-10-PCS and ICD-10-CM. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) collaborated to create these US-specific coding systems. ICD-10-PCS refers to a procedural classification of medical codes that report hospital inpatient procedures. In contrast, ICD-10-CM reports medical claims within healthcare settings. It proves that the procedures or treatments offered were medically necessary, allowing patients and health practitioners to receive reimbursements. The ICD-10-CM codes represent health conditions, injuries, related health problems, social circumstances, external causes and symptoms, etc.

ICD-10 is an alphanumeric coding system consisting of seven characters. ICD-10-CM codes all begin with a letter, followed by two digits. The code's first three characters indicate the type of illness or injury, followed by decimals representing the subcategory of the injury or disease. There are two subclassifications after the decimal representing the ailment's symptoms, causes, severity, and location. The last character of ICD-10-CM codes serves as an extension to describe the type of encounter. For example, if it is the first time a healthcare professional has checked a patient with any disease or injury, it will be listed as an 'initial encounter.' This article covers the ICD-10 codes for ALS. [1] [2]

What is the ICD 10 code for ALS?

The ICD-10 code for ALS is G12.21, listed below the 'Motor neuron disease' range. G12.21 is a billable ICD-10 code that you can use to prove a diagnosis for reimbursements. The 2023 version of ICD-10 G12.22 went into effect in October of 2022. [3]

ALS stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It is a rare neurological condition affecting motor neurons (nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain that regulate voluntary muscle movements). Voluntary muscles are essential to our bodies because they allow us to make movements involved in walking, talking, and chewing. Some common symptoms of ALS include [4]:

• Muscle twitches in the tongue, leg, arm, or shoulder
• Muscle cramps
• Slurred and nasal speech
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity)
• Muscle weakness affects the arm, diaphragm, neck or leg

As ALS progresses, it can spread to different parts of the body and manifest through more severe symptoms, including:

• Difficulty walking or standing
• Difficulty forming words
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty maintaining weight
• Depression or anxiety associated with not being able to understand, remember or reason

ALS ICD 10 code: G12.21

Primary ALS ICD code G12.21 lookup

Below is a table of the ICD-10 ALS codes.

Types of ALS coded under G12.21

The common types of ALS coded under G12.21 include [5] [6] [7]:

• Progressive bulbar palsy is a more severe form of bulbar onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is a highly progressive condition with an unfavorable prognosis.
• Progressive spinal muscle atrophy is a hereditary disorder that causes muscle weakness and movement issues. It is a serious ailment that progresses over time.
• Familial Motor Neuron Disease is caused by an error in the genetic coding that contains commands for making every protein in the human body. This error is passed down from parents to children. Children may still carry the gene even if they don't develop the disease.

ALS excluded from ICD-10 G12.21

Certain types of ALS are excluded from the ICD-10 code G12.2. In the ICD-10 ALS coding system, these exclusions are denoted as "Type 1 excludes". The type of ALS excluded is 'Muscle wasting and atrophy, not elsewhere classified' (M62.5). These two illnesses cannot be reported together since they affect distinct body areas and have varying symptoms. Reporting them together is a mistake that might lead to various complications in the long term. [8]

Conclusion

The ICD-10 coding system has helped revolutionize how medical health professionals conduct diagnosis and reimbursement procedures. These codes have allowed different nations worldwide to share and compare medical data efficiently and accurately.

The ICD 10 code for ALS is G12.21 which falls under the 'Motor neuron disease' range. It is a billable/specific code, meaning you can use it to request reimbursement. Depending on your type of ALS, your healthcare professional may classify your case as G12.21 or M62.5 (Type 1 Excludes).

It is worth noting that the information presented in this article is only for reference. If you have any symptoms associated with ALS, it is critical to consult a medical practitioner immediately. Your healthcare provider can offer you a proper diagnosis and answer any queries about the ICD-10 codes discussed above.