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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG31.8

G31.8

Billable

Other specified degenerative diseases of nervous system

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G31.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified degenerative diseases of nervous system.

Key Diagnostic Point:

G31.8 encompasses a variety of degenerative diseases of the nervous system that do not fall under more specific categories. This includes conditions such as frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, and other atypical parkinsonian syndromes. These diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons, leading to cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and changes in behavior. Alzheimer's disease, while a common form of dementia, is classified under a different code (G30). Patients with these conditions often present with a range of symptoms including memory loss, difficulty with language, impaired judgment, and changes in personality. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, neuroimaging, and cognitive testing to rule out other causes of cognitive decline. The management of these diseases is primarily supportive, focusing on maintaining quality of life and addressing specific symptoms as they arise.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of conditions included under the code
  • Overlap with other neurological disorders
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation
  • Potential for misdiagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of cognitive assessments
  • Failure to specify the type of degenerative disease
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding
  • Lack of supporting evidence for diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological evaluations, cognitive assessments, and neuroimaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with memory loss, behavioral changes, or motor symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the specific degenerative disease and its progression.

Geriatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of cognitive decline, functional assessments, and family input.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Elderly patients with gradual cognitive decline or behavioral changes.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities and their impact on cognitive function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G31.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G31
  • 8 should be used when a specific degenerative disease is not identified but the clinical picture suggests a degenerative process
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that other potential causes of symptoms have been ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G31.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

96116CPT Code

Neuropsychological testing

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess cognitive function in patients suspected of having a degenerative disease.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed report of cognitive assessments and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists and psychologists should collaborate on documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of degenerative diseases, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. G31.8 provides a necessary code for conditions that do not fit neatly into other categories, allowing for better patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of degenerative diseases, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. G31.8 provides a necessary code for conditions that do not fit neatly into other categories, allowing for better patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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

What conditions are included under G31.8?

G31.8 includes various unspecified degenerative diseases of the nervous system, such as frontotemporal dementia and progressive supranuclear palsy, but excludes Alzheimer's disease.