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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG23.9

G23.9

Billable

Degenerative disease of basal ganglia, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G23.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of degenerative disease of basal ganglia, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Degenerative diseases of the basal ganglia encompass a variety of neurological disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of the basal ganglia structures, which are critical for the regulation of movement. The most notable condition within this category is Parkinson's disease, which manifests through motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Other extrapyramidal disorders may also fall under this classification, leading to movement disorders that can significantly impact daily functioning. The basal ganglia are involved in the modulation of voluntary motor control, and their degeneration can lead to a range of symptoms beyond motor dysfunction, including cognitive and emotional disturbances. Dopaminergic medications, such as levodopa and dopamine agonists, are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms, but their effectiveness can vary, and long-term use may lead to complications such as motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. Accurate coding of G23.9 is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement, as it reflects the complexity and variability of these conditions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in symptoms and progression of the disease
  • Overlap with other movement disorders
  • Need for comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Potential for misdiagnosis or late diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms and progression
  • Use of unspecified codes without clear justification
  • Inconsistent use of dopaminergic medication documentation
  • Failure to document co-existing conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, including motor and non-motor symptoms, response to treatment, and any imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia; follow-up visits for medication management.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all symptoms are documented, including cognitive and emotional aspects, to support the diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including family history of movement disorders, and documentation of referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial diagnosis of movement disorders, management of symptoms, and coordination of care with specialists.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's functional status and any impact on daily living activities is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G23.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, G23
  • 9 should be used when the specific degenerative disease of the basal ganglia is not clearly defined
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the use of this unspecified code and that all relevant clinical details are included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G23.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with degenerative diseases of the basal ganglia.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of history, examination, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure that all relevant neurological findings are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of movement disorders, improving the ability to capture the complexity of degenerative diseases of the basal ganglia. However, the use of unspecified codes like G23.9 can lead to challenges in reimbursement and care management if not properly justified.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of movement disorders, improving the ability to capture the complexity of degenerative diseases of the basal ganglia. However, the use of unspecified codes like G23.9 can lead to challenges in reimbursement and care management if not properly justified.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and care management if not properly justified.

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 G23.9 instead of a more specific code?

G23.9 should be used when the specific degenerative disease of the basal ganglia is not clearly defined in the documentation. Ensure that all relevant clinical details are provided to justify its use.