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ICD-10 Coding for Guillain-Barré Syndrome(G61.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

GBSAcute Inflammatory Demyelinating PolyneuropathyMiller Fisher Syndromemillerfisher syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Guillain-Barré Syndrome

G60-G64Primary Range

Polyneuropathies and other disorders of the peripheral nervous system

This range includes Guillain-Barré Syndrome and related neuropathies.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Guillain-Barré Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for Guillain-Barré Syndrome is G61.0, covering conditions like Miller Fisher Syndrome.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for guillain barre syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of progressive bilateral weakness and areflexia

documentation Criteria

  • CSF analysis showing albuminocytologic dissociation

Applicable To

  • Miller Fisher Syndrome
  • Acute post-infective polyneuritis

Excludes

  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (G61.81)
  • Serum neuropathy (G61.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Progressive bilateral weakness
  • Areflexia or hyporeflexia
  • CSF albuminocytologic dissociation
  • Nerve conduction studies showing demyelination

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if documentation is insufficient
  • Omission of nerve conduction study results

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific findings like areflexia and CSF results.

Ancillary Codes

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

Sequelae of infections

B94.8
Use for post-infectious GBS cases, such as post-COVID-19.

Hypotension, unspecified

I95.9
Use if autonomic dysfunction is present.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

G61.81
CIDP is characterized by a chronic course, unlike the acute onset of GBS.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Guillain-Barré Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G61.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all diagnostic tests are documented in the patient's record., Review documentation guidelines regularly.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies Guillain-Barré Syndrome with clinical criteria.

Impact

Lack of detailed clinical findings can lead to audit failures.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all clinical criteria 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 Guillain-Barré Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Guillain-Barré Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-infectious Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Onset and progression of weakness
  • Reflex examination results
  • CSF and NCS findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

48M with 5-day history of ascending weakness starting in lower extremities, now involving upper limbs. No sensory deficits. Symptoms began 10 days after resolved Campylobacter gastroenteritis. Bilateral flaccid paralysis (MRC 2/5 legs, 3/5 arms). Absent patellar/achilles reflexes. CSF protein 150 mg/dL (WBC 2/mm³). NCS shows prolonged F-waves and conduction block. Assessment: Guillain-Barré syndrome, post-infectious. Plan: IVIG 0.4 g/kg/day x5 days.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Weakness, rule out GBS
Good Documentation Example
Progressive ascending paralysis over 7 days with areflexia in lower extremities, CSF protein 120 mg/dL, NCS confirming demyelination
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and test results supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Guillain-Barré Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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