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ICD-10 Coding for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure(F44.5, R56.9)

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

Also known as:

PNESPsychogenic Nonepileptic AttackPseudoseizure

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure

F44.0-F44.9Primary Range

Dissociative and conversion disorders

This range includes conversion disorders, with F44.5 specifically for PNES.

Convulsions, not elsewhere classified

Used when seizures are suspected but not confirmed as PNES.

Epilepsy and recurrent seizures

Differential diagnosis to rule out epilepsy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F44.5Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsionsUse when PNES is confirmed by video-EEG and psychological factors are documented.
  • Video-EEG confirmation of non-epileptic origin
  • Absence of epileptiform activity during events
  • Documentation of psychological stressors
R56.9Unspecified convulsionsUse when video-EEG is pending or inconclusive.
  • Use when seizures are suspected but not confirmed as PNES.

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 psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

Essential facts and insights about Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure

The ICD-10 code for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures is F44.5, used when confirmed by video-EEG and psychological factors are documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for psychogenic nonepileptic seizure

Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Video-EEG shows no epileptiform activity during events.

documentation Criteria

  • Psychological stressors are documented.

Applicable To

  • Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
  • Pseudoseizures

Excludes

  • Epileptic seizures (G40.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Video-EEG confirmation of non-epileptic origin
  • Absence of epileptiform activity during events
  • Documentation of psychological stressors

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misdiagnosis as epilepsy
  • Insufficient documentation of psychological factors

Coding Notes

  • Ensure video-EEG results are documented to confirm PNES.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other somatoform disorders

F45.8
Use if comorbid somatic symptoms are present.

Differential Codes

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

Epilepsy, unspecified

G40.909
Use only if epileptic seizures coexist and are documented.

Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions

F44.5
Use F44.5 when PNES is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F44.5.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide detailed descriptions of seizure events., Ensure video-EEG results are included.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment can affect reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure video-EEG confirms non-epileptic origin before coding F44.5.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Failure to adhere to coding guidelines., Data Quality: Ambiguous data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R56.9 only when PNES is unconfirmed.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of video-EEG and psychological factors.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized templates for documenting PNES.

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

Documentation Templates for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure

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

Patient with confirmed PNES

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Event description
  • Video-EEG results
  • Psychological factors

Example Documentation

Event Description: 2-minute episodes of right arm tremors with eye closure, no postictal confusion. Diagnostics: Video-EEG (03/25/2025) showed no epileptiform activity during 3 typical events. Psychological Factors: Patient discloses recent job loss and marital conflict. Diagnosis: F44.5 (PNES), exacerbated by acute stress.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Seizure-like episodes, cause unknown.
Good Documentation Example
Episodes consistent with PNES: 3-minute bilateral limb shaking with preserved awareness, no postictal confusion, confirmed via 72-hour video-EEG.
Explanation
The good example provides specific event details and confirms diagnosis with video-EEG.

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