Parkinson's Disease ICD 10 Code

Refresher: What are ICD-10 codes?

ICD-10 stands for International Classification of Diseases – 10th Revision. This coding system helps healthcare providers diagnose and treat illnesses effectively. Furthermore, it also allows easy clinical communication for healthcare providers everywhere.

ICD-10 codes fall into two categories:

• ICD-10-CM
• ICD-10-PCS

ICD-10-CM (Clinical Modification) is used for diagnosis, whereas ICD-10-PCS is used in in-patient settings for coding procedures.

ICD-10 codes enable healthcare providers to categorize symptoms, diagnose conditions and create treatment plans. Hence, finding the right ICD-10 code (based on a condition’s type and location) is imperative to treating any condition [1].

What is the ICD-10 Code for Parkinson’s disease?

The ICD-10 code for Parkinson’s disease is G20. The code G20 falls under “Extrapyramidal and movement disorders (G20-G26).”

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain that causes uncontrollable movements such as stiffness and shaking. It also leads to difficulty with coordination and balance [2].

There are no subcategories of the condition under G20. However, there are other movement disorders in the broad G20-G26 category.

Parkinson’s disease ICD-10 code: G20

Parkinson’s disease ICD code G20 Lookup

Below is a table of the ICD-10 “Extrapyramidal and movement disorders” codes from G20 to G26 with Parkinson’s disease under G20. [3].

G20 – G26: Extrapyramidal and movement disorders

Types of Parkinson’s Disease Coded Under G20

ICD-10 code G20 represents Parkinson’s disease. However, there are no subtypes of the disorder under the same code.

ICD-10 codes G20-G26 represent all extrapyramidal and movement disorders, such as:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Huntington disease
• Dystonia
• Secondary parkinsonism
• Tremors
• Chorea, etc.

Types of Parkinson’s Disease Excluded from ICD-10 G20

There are no subtypes of Parkinson’s disease under G20. However, Parkinsonism involves almost the same symptoms as Parkinson’s. Yet, it comes under G21. This is because Parkinson’s disease is different from Parkinsonism in many ways. For one, the former progresses with time and gets worse, whereas the latter is not progressive.

Parkinsonism refers to a group of neurological disorders that lead to problems with movement. The condition causes symptoms similar to those in Parkinson's disease.

However, the two disorders do not come under the same code because their causes and prognosis are different [4]. Parkinson’s is caused by nerve cell dysfunction. The nerve cells it affects are those that produce dopamine.

Parkinsonism is a clinical syndrome. In this condition, a person may have some but not all symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Conclusion

Coding is one of the best ways to ensure that diseases are categorized efficiently. Through this process, patients receive the right treatment for their condition.

The more standardized the procedures, the better the recording and documentation of treatment plans. All patients deserve the best quality of care. However, a wrong diagnosis can lead to wrong treatments, which is why assigning the right ICD-10 code is imperative.

Parkinson’s disease is a complicated condition that affects your motor movements and leads to troubles with coordination and balance. Many other movement disorders can also cause similar symptoms, which is why distinguishing Parkinson's from the rest is extremely important.

Assigning the right code depends on the causes and origins of a disorder, its symptoms, and the expected progression of the condition. Through ICD-10 codes, doctors have been able to reduce inconsistencies in their diagnoses, create detailed documentation and provide the best care to patients with Parkinson’s disease.