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ICD-10 Coding for Intercostal Neuralgia(G58.0)

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

Also known as:

Intercostal NeuropathyRib Neuralgia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intercostal Neuralgia

G58-G59Primary Range

Nerve root and plexus disorders

This range includes codes for various neuropathies, including intercostal neuralgia.

Viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions

Includes codes for herpes zoster, which can cause post-herpetic neuralgia.

Complications of surgical and medical care, not elsewhere classified

Includes codes for post-surgical complications that may lead to neuralgia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for intercostal neuralgia

Essential facts and insights about Intercostal Neuralgia

The ICD-10 code for intercostal neuralgia is G58.0, used when diagnosed without an acute trauma or underlying condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for intercostal neuralgia

Intercostal neuropathy
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of shooting or burning pain along ribs

coding Criteria

  • Code G58.0 should follow any code for an underlying cause

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific pain characteristics and any imaging findings

Applicable To

  • Intercostal neuralgia

Excludes

  • Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (G89.28)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pain descriptors such as 'shooting' or 'burning' along ribs
  • Tenderness at infracostal groove
  • MRN showing T2 hyperintensity of intercostal nerve

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing with underlying conditions
  • Using general chest pain codes instead

Coding Notes

  • Ensure proper sequencing when an underlying cause is present.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other postherpetic nervous system involvement

B02.29
Use when neuralgia is due to herpes zoster.

Other complications of procedures, initial encounter

T81.89XA
Use for post-surgical neuralgia.

Differential Codes

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

Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome

G89.28
Chronic pain syndrome following thoracotomy, not acute neuralgia.

Other chest pain

R07.89
Use for non-specific chest pain not diagnosed as neuralgia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intercostal Neuralgia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G58.0.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports neuralgia diagnosis., Use specific codes when criteria are met.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient conditions and treatments.

Mitigation Strategy

Always code the underlying cause first, followed by G58.0.

Impact

Failure to sequence codes correctly when an underlying cause is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on proper sequencing rules and review coding guidelines regularly.

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 Intercostal Neuralgia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Intercostal Neuralgia

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

Post-surgical intercostal neuralgia

Specialty: Pain Management

Required Elements

  • Pain characteristics
  • Anatomical location
  • Etiological link
  • Objective findings

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has rib pain. Will try nerve block.
Good Documentation Example
Severe burning pain (VAS 8/10) along right T9-T11 dermatomes 6 months post-thoracotomy. Tenderness to palpation at infracostal grooves. MRN confirms right T9-T11 intercostal nerve thickening. Diagnosis: Post-surgical intercostal neuralgia.
Explanation
The good example provides specific pain characteristics, anatomical location, and objective findings, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Intercostal Neuralgia? Ask your questions below.

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