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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG97.48

G97.48

Billable

Accidental puncture and laceration of other nervous system organ or structure during a nervous system procedure

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G97.48 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of accidental puncture and laceration of other nervous system organ or structure during a nervous system procedure.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Accidental puncture and laceration of other nervous system organs or structures during a nervous system procedure refers to unintended injuries that occur to the nervous system during surgical interventions. These injuries can lead to various complications, including pain syndromes, autonomic disorders, and hydrocephalus. Pain syndromes may manifest as neuropathic pain, which can be chronic and debilitating, affecting the patient's quality of life. Autonomic disorders may arise due to disruption of the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as abnormal heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and gastrointestinal issues. Hydrocephalus, characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, can occur if the puncture affects CSF pathways. The complexity of managing these complications often requires multidisciplinary approaches, including pain management specialists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the patient's condition, as well as to facilitate appropriate follow-up care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of accidental injuries
  • Need for detailed operative reports to establish causality
  • Potential for multiple complications arising from a single incident
  • Differentiation from intentional procedures or complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the accidental nature of the injury
  • Failure to specify the exact nervous system structure affected
  • Lack of clarity in operative notes regarding the procedure performed
  • Inconsistent coding of complications arising from the injury

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurosurgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, including descriptions of the procedure, any complications, and the management of those complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Intraoperative complications during craniotomies, spinal surgeries, or nerve decompression procedures.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly indicates the accidental nature of the injury and its impact on the patient's recovery.

Pain Management

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive pain assessments, treatment plans, and follow-up notes detailing the patient's response to interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of chronic pain syndromes resulting from accidental nerve injuries.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should reflect the ongoing impact of the injury on the patient's quality of life and functional status.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G97.48 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM guidelines, G97
  • 48 should be used when there is clear documentation of an accidental puncture or laceration during a nervous system procedure
  • It is important to ensure that the injury is not a known complication of the procedure and that it is documented as an unintended event

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G97.48 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used when a lumbar puncture leads to an accidental laceration of the cauda equina.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the procedure and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Neurosurgeons should document any deviations from the standard procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complications such as accidental punctures and lacerations, improving the granularity of data for healthcare providers and payers.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complications such as accidental punctures and lacerations, improving the granularity of data for healthcare providers and payers.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complications such as accidental punctures and lacerations, improving the granularity of data for healthcare providers and payers.

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 documentation is required to support the use of G97.48?

Documentation must include a detailed operative report that specifies the procedure performed, the accidental nature of the injury, and any complications that arose as a result.