ICD-10 Guide

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

ICD-10 Coding for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy(G40.001, G40.111)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYNeurology

COMPLEXITYHigh

LAST UPDATED09/15/2025

Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT

Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Temporal Lobe Epilepsy?

Essential facts and insights about Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Key Clinical Considerations:

Recurrent seizures originating from the temporal lobe, often characterized by focal impaired awareness.
MRI showing hippocampal sclerosis or other structural abnormalities; EEG demonstrating temporal lobe epileptiform activity.
Neurological examination may reveal cognitive deficits, memory impairment, or behavioral changes.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

Patient history of seizure episodes, including frequency, duration, and triggers.
Use of specific terms such as 'temporal lobe epilepsy' and 'focal seizures'.
Examples include detailed seizure descriptions, imaging results, and response to treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

Follow guidelines for coding seizures based on type and frequency.
Common errors include misclassifying seizure types or failing to document prior treatments.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

Other types of epilepsy such as generalized epilepsy.
Alternative codes for seizures not originating from the temporal lobe.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Neurology

Specialty Applications

Adults and children diagnosed with epilepsy, particularly those with temporal lobe involvement.
Neurology clinics, epilepsy centers, and emergency departments.

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

Documentation requirements?

Document seizure type, frequency, and any neurological deficits.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding of seizure type and associated conditions for proper reimbursement.

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

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

Documentation requirements?

Billing considerations?

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

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

Documentation requirements?

Billing considerations?