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ICD-10 Coding for Diabetic Neuropathy(E11.42, E11.40)

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

Also known as:

Diabetic Nerve DamageDiabetic Peripheral NeuropathyDiabetes Mellitus with Neuropathydiabetes-related neuropathydiabetic polyneuropathydiabetic autonomic neuropathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Diabetic Neuropathy

E10-E14Primary Range

Diabetes mellitus

This range includes codes for diabetes mellitus with various complications, including neuropathy.

Diabetic polyneuropathy

This code is used for specifying diabetic polyneuropathy as a complication of diabetes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E11.42Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic polyneuropathyUse when documenting type 2 diabetes with confirmed polyneuropathy.
  • Nerve conduction studies showing reduced velocity
  • Monofilament testing indicating sensory loss
E11.40Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy, unspecifiedUse when neuropathy is documented but not specified as poly or mononeuropathy.
  • General neuropathy symptoms without specific testing

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 diabetic neuropathy

Essential facts and insights about Diabetic Neuropathy

The ICD-10 code for diabetic neuropathy depends on the type: E11.42 for polyneuropathy and E11.40 for unspecified neuropathy.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for diabetic neuropathy

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic polyneuropathy
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bilateral sensory loss confirmed by testing

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of polyneuropathy due to diabetes

Applicable To

  • Type 2 diabetes with polyneuropathy

Excludes

  • Diabetic mononeuropathy (E11.41)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Nerve conduction studies showing reduced velocity
  • Monofilament testing indicating sensory loss

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if neuropathy type is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies polyneuropathy and links it to diabetes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Diabetic polyneuropathy

G63.2
Use as a supplementary code to specify the type of neuropathy.

Differential Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic mononeuropathy

E11.41
Use when neuropathy is limited to a single nerve.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic polyneuropathy

E11.42
Use when polyneuropathy is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Diabetic Neuropathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E11.42.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans, Regulatory: Increases risk of non-compliance, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the causal relationship, Use phrases like 'due to diabetes'

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Increases risk of coding audits, Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the type of neuropathy and use the corresponding specific code.

Impact

High risk of audit if neuropathy type is not specified

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific neuropathy type and related tests.

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 Diabetic Neuropathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Diabetic Neuropathy

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

Diabetic Neuropathy with Polyneuropathy

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Type of diabetes
  • Description of neuropathy symptoms
  • Results of nerve conduction studies

Example Documentation

Patient with type 2 diabetes presents with bilateral foot numbness. Nerve conduction studies confirm polyneuropathy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diabetic neuropathy noted.
Good Documentation Example
Type 2 diabetes with confirmed polyneuropathy affecting both feet.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of neuropathy and links it to diabetes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Diabetic Neuropathy? Ask your questions below.

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