ICD-10 Guide

Myotonic Dystrophy

ICD-10 Coding for Myotonic Dystrophy(G71.11, G71.19)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYNeurology

COMPLEXITYHigh

LAST UPDATED09/15/2025

Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Myotonic Dystrophy?

Essential facts and insights about Myotonic Dystrophy

Key Clinical Considerations:

Progressive muscle weakness and wasting
Myotonia (delayed relaxation of muscles)
Cognitive impairment and mood disorders

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Patient history including family history of myotonic dystrophy
Results from genetic testing confirming CTG repeat expansion
Detailed physical examination notes on muscle strength and tone

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Follow guidelines for coding myotonic dystrophy versus other muscular dystrophies.
Common errors include misclassifying myotonic dystrophy as other neuromuscular disorders.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Other types of muscular dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne, Becker)
Conditions with similar symptoms but different underlying causes

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Neurology

Specialty Applications

Adults and children with symptoms of myotonic dystrophy
Neurology clinics and genetic counseling settings

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

Comprehensive clinical documentation
Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
Proper exclusion considerations
Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

Ensure proper documentation for billing
Verify code specificity requirements
Check for any additional codes needed
Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

Insufficient clinical documentation
Incorrect code selection
Missing supporting diagnoses
Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the documentation requirements?

Document clinical findings, genetic test results, and family history.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the specific type of myotonic dystrophy for reimbursement.

Myotonic Dystrophy

Diagnosis Overview

Key Clinical Considerations:

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Specialty Applications

Coding Complexity

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

Common Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the documentation requirements?

What are the billing considerations?

Myotonic Dystrophy

Diagnosis Overview

Key Clinical Considerations:

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Specialty Applications

Coding Complexity

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

Common Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the documentation requirements?

What are the billing considerations?