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ICD-10 Coding for Small Fiber Neuropathy(G60.8, G60.9, E11.42)

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

Also known as:

SFNSmall Fiber Sensory NeuropathyIdiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Small Fiber Neuropathy

G60-G64Primary Range

Polyneuropathies and other disorders of the peripheral nervous system

This range includes codes for various types of neuropathies, including small fiber neuropathy.

Diabetes mellitus

Relevant when small fiber neuropathy is associated with diabetes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G60.8Other hereditary and idiopathic neuropathiesUse when small fiber neuropathy is specified and idiopathic or hereditary.
  • Skin biopsy showing reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density
  • Normal nerve conduction studies
G60.9Hereditary and idiopathic neuropathy, unspecifiedUse when small fiber neuropathy is idiopathic and unspecified.
  • Skin biopsy showing reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density
  • Normal nerve conduction studies
E11.42Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic polyneuropathyUse when small fiber neuropathy is linked to diabetes.
  • Diagnosis of diabetes with documented neuropathy

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 small fiber neuropathy

Essential facts and insights about Small Fiber Neuropathy

The ICD-10 code for idiopathic small fiber neuropathy is G60.9, while G60.8 is used for specified types. If related to diabetes, use E11.42.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for small fiber neuropathy

Other hereditary and idiopathic neuropathies
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed reduced IENFD on biopsy

coding Criteria

  • No large fiber involvement

Applicable To

  • Specified types of small fiber neuropathy

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Skin biopsy showing reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density
  • Normal nerve conduction studies

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if etiology is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies idiopathic or hereditary nature.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other disturbances of skin sensation

R20.8
Use for symptoms like burning pain or allodynia.

Neuralgia/neuritis

M79.2
Use for pain management documentation.

Differential Codes

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

Polyneuropathy, unspecified

G62.9
Use G62.9 only if large fiber involvement is suspected or confirmed.

Idiopathic peripheral autonomic neuropathy

G90.09
Use G90.09 for autonomic small fiber neuropathy.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy, unspecified

E11.40
Use E11.40 if polyneuropathy is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Small Fiber Neuropathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G60.8.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biopsy results are included in patient records, Train staff on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on neuropathy prevalence.

Mitigation Strategy

Use G60.9 for idiopathic small fiber neuropathy.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to less specific coding., Compliance: Failure to meet specificity requirements., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of diabetic complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify 'polyneuropathy' in documentation to use E11.42.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of neuropathy type may lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific neuropathy type and supporting test results.

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 Small Fiber Neuropathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Small Fiber Neuropathy

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

Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis of idiopathic small fiber neuropathy
  • Skin biopsy results
  • Normal nerve conduction studies
  • Symptom description

Example Documentation

Assessment: Idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (G60.9) confirmed by reduced IENFD (3.2 fibers/mm at ankle; normal >5.4). Normal NCS/EMG. Symptoms: Burning pain in feet (R20.8), allodynia. Plan: Gabapentin 300 mg TID for neuropathic pain.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Neuropathy in feet
Good Documentation Example
Idiopathic small fiber neuropathy confirmed by skin biopsy (IENFD 4.1 fibers/mm), normal NCS, no diabetes
Explanation
The good example provides specific diagnosis, test results, and excludes diabetes, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Small Fiber Neuropathy? Ask your questions below.

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