Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system
ICD-10 Codes (16)
G36G36.0G36.1G36.8G36.9G37G37.0G37.1G37.2G37.3G37.4G37.5G37.8G37.81G37.89G37.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for G35-G37 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The G35-G37 range in the ICD-10 encompasses codes for demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. These codes are used to classify conditions where the myelin sheath of nerve cells is damaged, disrupting signal transmission. This range includes multiple sclerosis (G35), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and other demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (G36), and other demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (G37).
Key Usage Points:
- •These codes are used when a patient is diagnosed with a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- •The specific type of demyelinating disease should be identified for accurate coding.
- •The severity and progression of the disease should be considered when coding.
- •The presence of any complications or associated conditions should be documented and coded.
- •The patient's response to treatment may also affect the coding.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
- ✓When a patient has acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
- ✓When a patient has another specified demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- ✓When a patient has a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, not elsewhere classified.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a peripheral demyelinating disease, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- ✗When a patient has a demyelinating disease of the nervous system that is secondary to another condition.
- ✗When a patient has a condition that mimics a demyelinating disease but is not, such as fibromyalgia.
- ✗When a patient has a neurological condition that is not a demyelinating disease.
Code Exclusions
Always verify the diagnosis with the provider before coding an exclusion.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system should include a clear diagnosis, the specific type of disease, the severity and progression of the disease, any complications or associated conditions, and the patient's response to treatment.
Clinical Information:
- •Clear diagnosis of a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- •Specific type of demyelinating disease.
- •Severity and progression of the disease.
- •Any complications or associated conditions.
- •Patient's response to treatment.
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical notes from the provider.
- •Results of diagnostic tests, such as MRI or CSF analysis.
- •Notes on the patient's symptoms and their impact on daily life.
- •Records of the patient's treatment and response.
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Recent MRI shows new lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Patient reports increased fatigue and difficulty walking. Currently on disease-modifying therapy with partial response.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has MS.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of demyelinating disease.
- ⚠Not documenting the severity or progression of the disease.
- ⚠Not documenting any complications or associated conditions.
- ⚠Not documenting the patient's response to treatment.
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The coding complexity for this range is medium because it requires a good understanding of the different types of demyelinating diseases and their progression. Complications and associated conditions can also add complexity. However, with good documentation, these codes can be applied accurately.
Key Factors:
- ▸Identifying the specific type of demyelinating disease.
- ▸Determining the severity and progression of the disease.
- ▸Identifying any complications or associated conditions.
- ▸Understanding the patient's response to treatment.
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used by neurologists, but may also be used by primary care providers, rheumatologists, and other specialists who manage patients with demyelinating diseases.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents with new neurological symptoms and is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
- • A patient with known multiple sclerosis has a relapse with new symptoms.
- • A patient with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is admitted for treatment.
- • A patient with a demyelinating disease has a complication, such as a urinary tract infection.
Resources & References
Resources for these codes include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical references on demyelinating diseases, and educational materials on medical coding.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- World Health Organization's ICD-10 guidelines
Clinical References:
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- American Academy of Neurology
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code for multiple sclerosis?
The code for multiple sclerosis is G35.
What is the difference between G36 and G37?
G36 is used for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and other specified demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, while G37 is used for other demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, not elsewhere classified.