Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Focal Seizure(G40.1xx, G40.2xx)

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

Also known as:

Partial SeizureFocal Onset Seizure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Focal Seizure

G40.0-G40.9Primary Range

Epilepsy and recurrent seizures

This range includes codes for different types of epilepsy and seizures, including focal seizures.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G40.1xxFocal symptomatic epilepsy with simple partial seizuresUse when the patient has focal symptomatic epilepsy with simple partial seizures.
  • EEG showing focal spikes in right frontal lobe
  • Clinical description of left hand clonic movements with preserved awareness
G40.2xxFocal symptomatic epilepsy with complex partial seizuresUse when the patient has focal symptomatic epilepsy with complex partial seizures.
  • Temporal lobe origin on MRI
  • Clinical description of staring, lip-smacking, unresponsive for 60 seconds

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 focal seizures

Essential facts and insights about Focal Seizure

The ICD-10 code for focal seizures includes G40.1xx for simple partial seizures and G40.2xx for complex partial seizures.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for focal seizure

Focal symptomatic epilepsy with simple partial seizures
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of simple partial seizures with preserved awareness.

Applicable To

  • Simple partial seizures

Excludes

  • Complex partial seizures

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • EEG showing focal spikes in right frontal lobe
  • Clinical description of left hand clonic movements with preserved awareness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documenting the specific features of the seizure.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'simple partial seizures' to avoid miscoding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified convulsions

R56.9
Use when the etiology of the seizure is unknown after workup.

Differential Codes

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

Focal symptomatic epilepsy with complex partial seizures

G40.2xx
Complex partial seizures involve impaired awareness, unlike simple partial seizures.

Focal symptomatic epilepsy with simple partial seizures

G40.1xx
Simple partial seizures do not involve impaired awareness.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Focal Seizure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G40.1xx.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure all necessary details are captured.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query for more details to use specific codes like G40.1xx or G40.2xx.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific seizure documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of seizure characteristics and test results.

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

Documentation Templates for Focal Seizure

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

Focal impaired awareness seizure

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Onset description
  • Motor features
  • Awareness level
  • Post-ictal state
  • EEG findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient experienced focal impaired awareness seizure at 14:30: Onset: Auditory aura ('buzzing sound'), Motor: Right hand automatisms x 90s, Awareness: Unresponsive to verbal cues, Post-ictal: 5-minute confusion, EEG: Left mesial temporal spikes, Imaging: Left hippocampal sclerosis on MRI.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Seizure with confusion.
Good Documentation Example
3-minute episode of right arm tonic-clonic movements evolving to bilateral convulsions; EEG: left temporal sharp waves.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the seizure type, duration, and EEG findings, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Focal Seizure? 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