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ICD-10 Coding for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy(G40.001, G40.111)

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

Also known as:

TLEFocal Epilepsy with Impaired Awareness

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

G40.001-G40.019Primary Range

Temporal lobe epilepsy and epileptic syndromes

This range includes specific codes for temporal lobe epilepsy, distinguishing between intractable and non-intractable forms, with or without status epilepticus.

Other focal (partial) epilepsy and epileptic syndromes

This range covers other types of focal epilepsy that may need differentiation from temporal lobe epilepsy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G40.001Localization-related (focal) (partial) epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with simple partial seizures, not intractable, without status epilepticusUse when the patient has non-intractable temporal lobe epilepsy without status epilepticus.
  • EEG showing temporal lobe spikes
  • No history of status epilepticus
G40.111Localization-related (focal) (partial) epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with complex partial seizures, intractable, with status epilepticusUse when the patient has intractable temporal lobe epilepsy with status epilepticus.
  • EEG confirmation of temporal lobe origin
  • Documented status epilepticus episodes

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 temporal lobe epilepsy

Essential facts and insights about Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

The ICD-10 code for temporal lobe epilepsy varies based on intractability and status epilepticus presence: G40.001 for non-intractable without status, G40.111 for intractable with status.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for temporal lobe epilepsy

Localization-related (focal) (partial) epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with simple partial seizures, not intractable, without status epilepticus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has temporal lobe epilepsy without status epilepticus

Applicable To

  • Non-intractable temporal lobe epilepsy without status

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • EEG showing temporal lobe spikes
  • No history of status epilepticus

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if status epilepticus is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of status epilepticus and intractability.

Ancillary Codes

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

Post-traumatic seizures

R56.1
Use when seizures are related to recent head trauma.

Long-term (current) use of antiepileptic drugs

Z79.01
Use to indicate ongoing antiepileptic drug therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Localization-related (focal) (partial) epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with complex partial seizures, intractable, with status epilepticus

G40.111
Presence of intractability and status epilepticus

Localization-related (focal) (partial) epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with simple partial seizures, not intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.001
Absence of intractability and status epilepticus

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Temporal Lobe Epilepsy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G40.001.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for intractability status, Regular training on epilepsy documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in patient records

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the type of epilepsy and intractability status.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified or incorrect epilepsy coding

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular coding audits and training sessions.

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 Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Seizure semiology
  • EEG findings
  • MRI results
  • Medication history

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had seizure. Continue Keppra.
Good Documentation Example
Patient experienced focal impaired awareness seizure with déjà vu aura (2 mins), right hand automatisms, and 10-minute postictal aphasia. Video-EEG shows left temporal sharp waves. MRI demonstrates left mesial temporal sclerosis. Failed therapeutic trials of oxcarbazepine and zonisamide (6 months each).
Explanation
The good example provides detailed seizure characteristics, diagnostic findings, and treatment history, which are essential for accurate coding and billing.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy? Ask your questions below.

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