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ICD-10 Coding for Postherpetic Neuralgia(B02.22, B02.29)

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

Also known as:

PHNHerpetic NeuralgiaPost-herpetic Neuralgiapostshingles neuralgia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Postherpetic Neuralgia

B02.2-B02.29Primary Range

Postherpetic Neuralgia and its specific manifestations

This range includes codes specifically for postherpetic neuralgia, detailing involvement of different nerves.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B02.22Postherpetic trigeminal neuralgiaUse when the patient presents with facial pain following herpes zoster affecting the trigeminal nerve.
  • Persistent pain in trigeminal nerve distribution 90+ days post-herpes zoster resolution
B02.29Other postherpetic neuralgiaUse for PHN affecting nerves other than the trigeminal nerve.
  • Pain persisting 120 days after rash resolution in non-trigeminal distribution

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 postherpetic neuralgia

Essential facts and insights about Postherpetic Neuralgia

The ICD-10 codes for postherpetic neuralgia are B02.22 for trigeminal nerve involvement and B02.29 for other nerve involvements.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for postherpetic neuralgia

Postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Pain in trigeminal nerve distribution post-herpes zoster

Applicable To

  • Trigeminal nerve involvement

Excludes

  • Non-trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Persistent pain in trigeminal nerve distribution 90+ days post-herpes zoster resolution

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with other facial pain syndromes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies trigeminal nerve involvement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chronic pain due to trauma

G89.21
Use for documenting chronic pain management in PHN cases.

Central pain syndrome

G89.0
Use when central pain syndrome complicates PHN.

Differential Codes

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

Other postherpetic neuralgia

B02.29
Use B02.29 for non-trigeminal nerve involvement.

Postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia

B02.22
Use B02.22 for trigeminal nerve involvement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Postherpetic Neuralgia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B02.22.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Include pain duration in all PHN notes

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use B02.22 or B02.29 depending on nerve involvement.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding due to lack of specific nerve involvement documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require detailed documentation of nerve involvement and pain duration.

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

Documentation Templates for Postherpetic Neuralgia

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

Neurology Progress Note for PHN

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Subjective pain description
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: "72F reports unremitting lancinating pain (7/10 VAS) in left V1 distribution, worsening at night. Symptoms began 14 days after herpes zoster ophthalmicus resolved on 01/15/2025. Failed trials of gabapentin 900mg/day and 5% lidocaine patch." **Objective**: - Allodynia to light touch (POSITIVE cotton swab test) - Hypoesthesia to pinprick in V1 dermatome - No corneal involvement on slit-lamp exam **Assessment**: Postherpetic trigeminal neuralgia (B02.22) with treatment-resistant neuropathic pain

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
"Patient has nerve pain after shingles."
Good Documentation Example
"Continuous burning pain in right T4 dermatome persisting 150 days after vesicle crusting."
Explanation
The good example provides specific dermatome and duration, linking pain to shingles.

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

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