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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG71.039

G71.039

Billable

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G71.039 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of limb girdle muscular dystrophy, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of the proximal muscles, particularly those around the hips and shoulders. The condition is caused by genetic mutations that affect muscle proteins, leading to muscle degeneration and weakness. LGMD can manifest in various forms, with symptoms typically appearing in childhood or early adulthood, although some forms may not present until later in life. Patients may experience difficulty with activities such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or raising their arms. The progression of the disease varies widely among individuals, with some experiencing a rapid decline in muscle function while others may maintain mobility for many years. Diagnosis is often confirmed through genetic testing, muscle biopsy, and clinical evaluation. As LGMD is a heterogeneous group of disorders, the unspecified code G71.039 is used when the specific type of limb girdle muscular dystrophy has not been determined or documented.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and progression of the disease.
  • Need for genetic testing to specify the type of LGMD.
  • Differentiation from other muscular dystrophies and myopathies.
  • Documentation of muscle weakness and functional limitations.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of muscle weakness severity.
  • Lack of genetic testing results in the medical record.
  • Inconsistent use of the unspecified code when a specific type is known.
  • Failure to document functional limitations related to the condition.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, including muscle strength testing and functional assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with progressive muscle weakness, difficulty walking, or family history of muscular dystrophy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of symptoms and progression to support the use of G71.039.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results and family history of muscular dystrophy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing evaluation for hereditary muscular dystrophies.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of genetic findings to differentiate between types of LGMD.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G71.039 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, G71
  • 039 should be used when the specific type of limb girdle muscular dystrophy is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the medical record supports the diagnosis and that other potential conditions have been ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G71.039 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 4

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with LGMD.

Documentation Requirements

Document history, examination, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology specialists should ensure detailed documentation of muscle strength and functional status.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of muscular dystrophies, including limb girdle types. G71.039 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but the availability of more specific codes encourages accurate documentation and coding practices.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of muscular dystrophies, including limb girdle types. G71.039 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but the availability of more specific codes encourages accurate documentation and coding practices.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Muscular Dystrophy Association

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Muscular Dystrophy Association

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between G71.039 and G71.01?

G71.039 is used for unspecified limb girdle muscular dystrophy, while G71.01 is for limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 1A, which is a specific genetic form of the disease.