Nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders

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 G50-G59 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...

Key Usage Points:

• •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
• •Use additional codes to identify any associated underlying conditions.
• •For bilateral conditions, use the bilateral code if available.
• •If the condition is postprocedural or due to a device, use additional code to identify the cause.
• •For conditions classified to different categories, assign multiple codes.

When to Use:

• ✓When a patient is diagnosed with a disorder of the trigeminal nerve.
• ✓When a patient has a disorder of the facial nerve, such as Bell's palsy.
• ✓When a patient has a disorder of the brachial plexus.
• ✓When a patient has a mononeuropathy of the upper limb.
• ✓When a patient has a mononeuropathy of the lower limb.

When NOT to Use:

• ✗When the condition is not specifically diagnosed or confirmed by the provider.
• ✗When the patient is only at risk or has a family history of nerve disorders.
• ✗When the condition is due to an underlying condition that has its own code.
• ✗When the condition is a direct result of trauma.
• ✗When the condition is transient or temporary.

Common Documentation Errors:

• ⚠Not documenting the specific diagnosis
• ⚠Not documenting the cause of the disorder
• ⚠Not documenting the severity of the disorder
• ⚠Not documenting any associated conditions