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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG05.4

G05.4

Billable

Myelitis in diseases classified elsewhere

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 G05.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of myelitis in diseases classified elsewhere.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord, which can occur as a complication of various infectious diseases. In the context of diseases classified elsewhere, G05.4 is used when myelitis is secondary to infections such as viral, bacterial, or fungal pathogens that primarily affect other systems. Common causes include viral infections like herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and enteroviruses, as well as bacterial infections such as syphilis or Lyme disease. The clinical presentation may include motor and sensory deficits, autonomic dysfunction, and in severe cases, paralysis. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (like MRI), and laboratory tests (including CSF analysis). Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying infection and managing symptoms, which may involve antiviral or antibiotic therapy, corticosteroids, and supportive care. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of underlying diseases causing myelitis.
  • Differentiation from other neurological conditions.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of clinical findings.
  • Potential for multiple underlying infections complicating the diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying disease.
  • Failure to specify the causative organism.
  • Misclassification of myelitis as a primary condition.
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, imaging results, and laboratory tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute onset of neurological deficits, history of infections, or autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the relationship between the infection and myelitis.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of infections, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known infectious diseases presenting with neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document the infectious etiology clearly to support the diagnosis of myelitis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G05.4 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G05
  • 4 should be used when myelitis is a complication of diseases classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the primary disease is documented and coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G05.4 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where myelitis is the primary diagnosis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62263CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used to obtain CSF for analysis in suspected cases of myelitis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for the procedure, findings, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists and infectious disease specialists should ensure thorough documentation of the rationale for lumbar puncture.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of myelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. G05.4 captures myelitis as a complication of other diseases, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of myelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. G05.4 captures myelitis as a complication of other diseases, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. G05.4 captures myelitis as a complication of other diseases, which was less clearly defined in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use G05.4?

Use G05.4 when myelitis is a complication of another disease, and the underlying condition is documented. Ensure that the causative agent is specified when possible.