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ICD-10 Coding for Tremors(G25.0, G25.1, G25.2, R25.1)

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

Also known as:

ShakingInvoluntary Shaking

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tremors

G25.0-G25.9Primary Range

Other extrapyramidal and movement disorders

This range includes specific types of tremors such as essential, drug-induced, and other specified tremors.

Abnormal involuntary movements

This range includes unspecified tremors and other abnormal involuntary movements.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G25.0Essential tremorUse when the patient has a documented family history of tremor and no Parkinsonian features.
  • Absence of Parkinsonian features
  • Family history of tremor
  • Response to propranolol
G25.1Drug-induced tremorUse when tremor onset is temporally related to medication use.
  • Temporal relationship with drug initiation
  • Documentation of specific causative drug
G25.2Other specified forms of tremorUse for intention tremor with documented cerebellar signs.
  • Cerebellar signs such as dysmetria
  • MRI showing cerebellar atrophy
R25.1Tremor, unspecifiedUse when the type of tremor cannot be specified.
  • Lack of specific tremor type documentation

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 essential tremor

Essential facts and insights about Tremors

The ICD-10 code for essential tremor is G25.0, used when there is a family history and no Parkinsonian features.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tremors

Essential tremor
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Family history of tremor

documentation Criteria

  • Absence of Parkinsonian features

Applicable To

  • Familial tremor
  • Action tremor

Excludes

  • Parkinsonian tremor (G25.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Absence of Parkinsonian features
  • Family history of tremor
  • Response to propranolol

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if family history is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure family history and response to alcohol or propranolol are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of other medications

Z79.899
Use when the patient is on long-term beta-blocker therapy.

Adverse effect of drugs

T45.1X5A
Use to specify the drug causing the tremor.

Differential Codes

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

Drug-induced tremor

G25.1
Tremor linked to medication use, with documentation of the specific drug.

Essential tremor

G25.0
No drug-related cause; familial or action tremor.

Unspecified tremor

R25.1
Use when specific type of tremor is not documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tremors to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G25.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the specific drug causing the tremor., Use adverse effect codes appropriately.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use G25.0 when essential tremor is documented.

Impact

Risk of coding essential tremor without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure family history and response to treatment are documented.

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

Documentation Templates for Tremors

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

Neurology Clinic Visit

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration of tremor
  • Family history
  • Response to medications
  • Physical exam findings

Example Documentation

Patient reports 3-year history of bilateral hand tremor worsening with activity. No rigidity or bradykinesia. Family history of tremor in mother. Exam: Postural tremor 6-8 Hz, no rest component.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has shaky hands.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral upper extremity action tremor, improves with alcohol, family history positive.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding.

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

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