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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR25.9

R25.9

Unspecified abnormal involuntary movements

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R25.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified abnormal involuntary movements.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R25.9 refers to unspecified abnormal involuntary movements, which encompass a range of involuntary motor activities that are not classified under more specific diagnoses. These movements can include tremors, tics, dystonia, and chorea, among others. Patients may present with various symptoms such as jerking, twitching, or writhing movements that can affect any part of the body. The etiology of these movements can be multifactorial, including neurological disorders, metabolic disturbances, medication side effects, or psychological conditions. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed patient history, neurological examination, and potentially neuroimaging or laboratory tests to rule out underlying conditions. Given the broad nature of this code, it is essential for coders to ensure that the documentation clearly supports the diagnosis of unspecified abnormal involuntary movements, as this will guide appropriate treatment and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Differentiation from other movement disorders
  • Potential overlap with psychiatric conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation to support the diagnosis
  • Failure to specify the type of involuntary movement
  • Inadequate differentiation from other movement disorders
  • Coding based solely on symptoms without underlying cause

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and characteristics of movements; review of medications and medical history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Consideration of metabolic or systemic causes that may contribute to involuntary movements.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

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 of any potential life-threatening conditions that may present with involuntary movements.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R25.9 When
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and that the movements are not attributable to a more specific condition
  • Documentation must reflect the nature of the involuntary movements and any relevant history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R25.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits to assess involuntary movements.

Documentation Requirements

Document the nature of the movements, duration, 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 movement disorders, but R25.9 remains a catch-all for unspecified cases, necessitating careful documentation to avoid misclassification.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of movement disorders, but R25.9 remains a catch-all for unspecified cases, necessitating careful documentation to avoid misclassification.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of movement disorders, but R25.9 remains a catch-all for unspecified cases, necessitating careful documentation to avoid misclassification.

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 R25.9?

Use R25.9 when a patient presents with abnormal involuntary movements that do not fit into a more specific diagnosis. Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and that other potential causes have been ruled out.