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ICD-10 Coding for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome(G90.51, G90.52)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type IRSD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

G90.5-Primary Range

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I

This range includes codes for CRPS Type I, which is the updated term for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G90.51Complex regional pain syndrome I of upper limbUse when CRPS I affects the upper limb, specifying laterality.
  • Documentation of burning pain, skin changes, and swelling in the upper limb
  • Objective findings such as temperature asymmetry or allodynia
G90.52Complex regional pain syndrome I of lower limbUse when CRPS I affects the lower limb, specifying laterality.
  • Documentation of edema, skin temperature asymmetry, and trophic changes in the lower limb

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 reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, now known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I, is G90.5-. Specific codes include G90.51 for the upper limb and G90.52 for the lower limb.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome I of upper limb
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of burning pain and skin changes in the upper limb

Applicable To

  • CRPS I of right or left upper limb

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of burning pain, skin changes, and swelling in the upper limb
  • Objective findings such as temperature asymmetry or allodynia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified laterality when specific information is available

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and includes objective findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Osteoporosis

M89.0-
Use if osteoporosis is present with CRPS I.

Localized edema

R60.0
Use if edema is documented with CRPS I.

Differential Codes

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

Causalgia of upper limb

G56.4-
Presence of nerve injury differentiates CRPS II from CRPS I.

Causalgia of lower limb

G57.7-
Differentiate by confirming nerve injury for CRPS II.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G90.51.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates, Train staff on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces data accuracy and specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality in documentation to use the correct code.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific information is available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation always includes laterality and site.

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 Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-fracture CRPS I documentation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

Patient presents with CRPS I of the right lower limb post-tibial fracture, exhibiting edema and skin temperature asymmetry.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has RSD.
Good Documentation Example
CRPS I of right lower limb with edema and hyperalgesia post-tibial fracture.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, symptoms, and context.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

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