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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesE72.81

E72.81

Billable

Disorders of gamma aminobutyric acid metabolism

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

Code Description

ICD-10 E72.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorders of gamma aminobutyric acid metabolism.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorders of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism encompass a range of metabolic conditions characterized by abnormalities in the synthesis, degradation, or transport of GABA, a crucial inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. These disorders can lead to neurological symptoms, including seizures, developmental delays, and behavioral issues. GABA metabolism is primarily regulated by enzymes such as glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), which converts glutamate to GABA, and GABA transaminase, which is involved in GABA degradation. Deficiencies or dysfunctions in these enzymes can result in elevated levels of glutamate and reduced GABA, contributing to excitotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Genetic mutations affecting these metabolic pathways can lead to inherited forms of GABA metabolism disorders, often presenting in infancy or early childhood. Diagnosis typically involves biochemical assays, genetic testing, and neuroimaging studies to assess brain function and structure. Management may include dietary modifications, supplementation, and pharmacological interventions aimed at restoring GABA levels and mitigating symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive metabolic and genetic testing
  • Differential diagnosis with other metabolic and neurological disorders
  • Documentation of specific enzyme deficiencies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of enzyme deficiencies
  • Failure to specify the type of GABA disorder
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for diagnosis
  • Misclassification with other amino acid disorders

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological assessments, including seizure history and developmental milestones.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with seizures, developmental delays, or behavioral issues.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the neurological impact of GABA metabolism disorders.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family history, and metabolic screening outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of patients with suspected inherited metabolic disorders.

Billing Considerations

Document specific genetic mutations and their implications for treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use E72.81 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding metabolic disorders, ensuring accurate documentation of the specific type of GABA disorder and any associated conditions
  • Include relevant laboratory results and clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use E72.81 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

81229CPT Code

Genetic testing for GABA metabolism disorders

Clinical Scenario

Used when genetic testing is performed to confirm a diagnosis of GABA metabolism disorder.

Documentation Requirements

Document the rationale for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology and genetics specialists should collaborate on documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, including GABA metabolism disorders, facilitating better tracking of these conditions and improving the accuracy of claims.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, including GABA metabolism disorders, facilitating better tracking of these conditions and improving the accuracy of claims.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of metabolic disorders, including GABA metabolism disorders, facilitating better tracking of these conditions and improving the accuracy of claims.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of disorders of GABA metabolism?

Common symptoms include seizures, developmental delays, behavioral issues, and in some cases, intellectual disability. The severity and type of symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific disorder and the age of onset.