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ICD-10 Coding for White Matter Disease(R90.82, I67.82)

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

Also known as:

LeukoaraiosisWhite Matter Lesions

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to White Matter Disease

R90-R94Primary Range

Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging and in function studies, without diagnosis

This range includes codes for unspecified findings on imaging studies, such as white matter changes.

Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system

This range includes codes for specific demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis, which can cause white matter changes.

Cerebrovascular diseases

This range includes codes for vascular causes of white matter changes, such as small vessel disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R90.82White matter disease, unspecifiedUse when imaging shows white matter changes without a known cause.
  • MRI findings of white matter hyperintensities without a definitive diagnosis
I67.82Cerebral ischemiaUse when white matter changes are attributed to vascular causes.
  • Documentation of vascular risk factors and imaging findings consistent with ischemia.

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 white matter disease

Essential facts and insights about White Matter Disease

The ICD-10 code for unspecified white matter disease is R90.82, used when imaging shows changes without a known cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for white matter disease

White matter disease, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI shows white matter changes without a known cause.

coding Criteria

  • No other specific diagnosis is documented.

Applicable To

  • Unspecified white matter changes on imaging

Excludes

  • Multiple sclerosis (G35)
  • Cerebral ischemia (I67.82)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI findings of white matter hyperintensities without a definitive diagnosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if a specific diagnosis is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the lack of a definitive diagnosis when using R90.82.

Ancillary Codes

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

Essential (primary) hypertension

I10
Use to document hypertension as a risk factor for vascular white matter changes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

E11.9
Use to document diabetes as a risk factor for vascular white matter changes.

Differential Codes

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

Cerebral ischemia

I67.82
Use when white matter changes are due to vascular causes.

Multiple sclerosis

G35
Use when white matter changes are due to MS, confirmed by clinical criteria and CSF findings.

White matter disease, unspecified

R90.82
Use when no specific vascular cause is identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting White Matter Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R90.82.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific neuroradiologic terms., Correlate imaging findings with clinical symptoms.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use the specific code for the known diagnosis, such as G35 for MS.

Impact

High risk of audit if R90.82 is used without clear documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of imaging findings and clinical correlation.

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 White Matter Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for White Matter Disease

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

White matter disease with vascular risk factors

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Imaging findings
  • Clinical correlation
  • Risk factor documentation

Example Documentation

Patient presents with cognitive decline. MRI shows periventricular white matter hyperintensities. History of hypertension and diabetes documented.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
White matter disease noted.
Good Documentation Example
MRI shows periventricular hyperintensities consistent with small vessel ischemic disease. Patient has hypertension and diabetes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and correlates them with clinical history.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for White Matter Disease? Ask your questions below.

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