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ICD-10 Coding for Paresthesia(R20.2)

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

Also known as:

NumbnessTingling sensationPins and needlesParaesthesia

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Paresthesia

R20-R29Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue

This range includes codes for various sensory disturbances, including paresthesia.

G50-G59

Nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders

Includes codes for specific nerve-related conditions that may present with paresthesia.

E10-E14

Diabetes mellitus

Includes codes for diabetes, which can cause neuropathy and associated paresthesia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for paresthesia

Essential facts and insights about Paresthesia

The ICD-10 code for paresthesia of the skin is R20.2, used when tingling or numbness is the primary symptom without an identified underlying cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for paresthesia

R20.2
Paresthesia of skin
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Tingling or numbness without visible skin changes

coding Criteria

  • No underlying condition identified

Applicable To

  • Tingling sensation
  • Pins and needles

Excludes

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (G56.0)
  • Diabetic neuropathy (E11.42)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient reports tingling or numbness without visible skin changes
  • No underlying condition identified

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using when a more specific condition is identified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes symptom details such as location and duration.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Contact with and exposure to metals

Z77.020
Use when paresthesia is due to metal exposure.

Differential Codes

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

Carpal tunnel syndrome

G56.0
Presence of positive Tinel's or Phalen's sign and EMG confirmation.

Diabetic polyneuropathy

E11.42
Confirmed diabetes with neuropathic symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Paresthesia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R20.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Inadequate documentation for coding., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use terms like 'paresthesia' or 'tingling'.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Code B02.29 for postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia first, then R20.2.

Impact

Missing details on symptom duration and location.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices.

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

Documentation Templates for Paresthesia

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient description of symptoms
  • Objective: Exam findings
  • Assessment: Diagnosis
  • Plan: Tests and referrals

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** "Burning pain and electric shock-like sensations in left V2 distribution x 2 months, triggered by light touch." **Objective:** Allodynia present in left maxillary region. MRI shows neurovascular compression of trigeminal nerve. **Assessment:** Trigeminal neuralgia (G50.1) with associated paresthesia (R20.2). **Plan:** Carbamazepine trial; neurosurgery consult.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of numbness.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports intermittent 'pins and needles' sensation in right fingertips for 3 weeks, worsening at night. Tinel's sign positive at wrist. EMG confirms delayed median nerve conduction.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the location, duration, and clinical tests confirming the condition.

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