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ICD-10 Coding for Breakthrough Seizure(G40.901, G40.909)

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

Also known as:

Refractory SeizurePharmacoresistant Seizure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Breakthrough Seizure

G40Primary Range

Epilepsy and recurrent seizures

This range includes codes for epilepsy and seizures, which are directly related to breakthrough seizures.

Convulsions, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for unspecified convulsions, used when epilepsy is ruled out.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G40.901Epilepsy, unspecified, intractable, without status epilepticusUse when the patient has intractable epilepsy with breakthrough seizures despite therapeutic drug levels.
  • ≥2 failed AEDs at therapeutic doses
  • Documentation of 'pharmacoresistant', 'refractory', or 'poorly controlled'
G40.909Epilepsy, unspecified, not intractable, without status epilepticusUse when the patient has non-intractable epilepsy with breakthrough seizures.
  • No evidence of drug resistance
  • Seizure occurred after a period of remission

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for breakthrough seizure

Essential facts and insights about Breakthrough Seizure

The ICD-10 code for breakthrough seizure is G40.901 for intractable cases and G40.909 for non-intractable cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for breakthrough seizure

Epilepsy, unspecified, intractable, without status epilepticus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has failed ≥2 AEDs at therapeutic doses.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation includes terms like 'pharmacoresistant' or 'refractory'.

Applicable To

  • Intractable epilepsy without status epilepticus

Excludes

  • Epileptic seizures due to alcohol or drugs

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ≥2 failed AEDs at therapeutic doses
  • Documentation of 'pharmacoresistant', 'refractory', or 'poorly controlled'

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as non-intractable when drug resistance is documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies intractability and therapeutic drug levels.

Ancillary Codes

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

Patient’s noncompliance with medication regimen

Z91.14
Use when breakthrough seizure is due to missed medication doses.

Differential Codes

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

Epilepsy, unspecified, not intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.909
Use when there is no evidence of drug resistance.

Epilepsy, unspecified, intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.901
Use when there is documented drug resistance.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Breakthrough Seizure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G40.901.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates that prompt for intractability status.

Impact

Reimbursement: Leads to incorrect DRG assignment, affecting reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific epilepsy codes like G40.901 or G40.909 instead.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific epilepsy codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and staff training on epilepsy coding.

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 Breakthrough Seizure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Breakthrough Seizure

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Seizure Type
  • Duration
  • Semiology
  • AED Compliance
  • Serum Levels
  • EEG Findings
  • Intractability Status

Example Documentation

Seizure Type: Focal aware. Duration: 90 seconds. AED Compliance: Verified. Serum Levels: Lamotrigine 200mg BID. EEG Findings: Spike-and-wave over left temporal region.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had seizure today.
Good Documentation Example
Breakthrough focal impaired awareness seizure lasting 90 seconds occurring 8 months after last event, on therapeutic lamotrigine 200mg BID. No missed doses per pharmacy records.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the seizure, medication compliance, and therapeutic levels, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Breakthrough Seizure? Ask your questions below.

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