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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR25.8

R25.8

Other abnormal involuntary movements

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R25.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other abnormal involuntary movements.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R25.8 encompasses a variety of abnormal involuntary movements that do not fall under more specific categories. These movements can include tremors, tics, dystonia, and chorea, which may arise from a range of neurological disorders, metabolic conditions, or even drug side effects. Patients may present with symptoms such as jerking, twitching, or other unintentional movements that can affect any part of the body. The clinical context is crucial, as these movements can be indicative of underlying conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or side effects from medications like antipsychotics. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough neurological examination, patient history, and sometimes imaging or laboratory tests to rule out other causes. The variability in presentation and underlying etiology makes this code essential for capturing a wide spectrum of involuntary movement disorders that do not fit neatly into other diagnostic categories.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to abnormal movements.
  • Overlap with other movement disorders requiring careful differentiation.
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and clinical evaluation.
  • Potential for misdiagnosis if symptoms are not thoroughly assessed.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific type of involuntary movement.
  • Failure to link the abnormal movement to a definitive diagnosis.
  • Misclassification of movements that may belong to other specific codes.
  • Lack of clarity in the patient's history regarding medication use.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and characteristics of movements.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained movements during routine check-ups or follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic causes such as metabolic disorders or medication side effects.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of involuntary movements, including vital signs and neurological status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute onset of abnormal movements, possibly due to drug reactions or acute neurological events.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are crucial for timely intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R25.8 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the involuntary movements are not classified elsewhere
  • Document the specific type of movement and any relevant clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R25.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with abnormal movements.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and any changes in treatment.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and neurology may require more detailed neurological assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of involuntary movements, improving the ability to capture the nuances of these conditions. R25.8 serves as a catch-all for movements that do not fit into other categories, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of involuntary movements, improving the ability to capture the nuances of these conditions. R25.8 serves as a catch-all for movements that do not fit into other categories, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of involuntary movements, improving the ability to capture the nuances of these conditions. R25.8 serves as a catch-all for movements that do not fit into other categories, emphasizing the need for thorough documentation.

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 types of movements are classified under R25.8?

R25.8 includes a variety of abnormal involuntary movements such as tics, dystonia, and chorea that do not fit into more specific categories.

When should I use R25.8 instead of a more specific code?

Use R25.8 when the involuntary movements are not classified under other specific codes and when the clinical context does not allow for a more precise diagnosis.