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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG37.3

G37.3

Billable

Acute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of central nervous system

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G37.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of central nervous system.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is an inflammatory condition affecting the spinal cord, characterized by the rapid onset of motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. It is often associated with demyelinating diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). In ATM, the inflammation typically spans across a segment of the spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as weakness, sensory loss, and bladder dysfunction. The condition can occur as a distinct episode or as part of a broader demyelinating disease process. In the context of MS, ATM may present as a relapse, where patients experience a sudden worsening of neurological function. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by MRI findings that reveal lesions in the spinal cord. Treatment often involves high-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and immunomodulatory therapies to manage underlying demyelinating disease. Early intervention is crucial to improve outcomes and minimize long-term disability.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute transverse myelitis and other neurological conditions.
  • Understanding the relationship between ATM and multiple sclerosis.
  • Documenting the acute nature and specific symptoms of the episode.
  • Navigating the use of immunomodulatory treatments and their impact on coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of acute symptoms.
  • Failure to link ATM to a specific demyelinating disease.
  • Misclassification of ATM as a non-specific myelopathy.
  • Lack of MRI evidence supporting the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, MRI results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with sudden onset of weakness, sensory changes, or bladder dysfunction.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the acute nature of symptoms and any prior history of demyelinating disease.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments, rehabilitation goals, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring rehabilitation post-ATM for mobility and function restoration.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of ATM on daily activities and the need for assistive devices.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G37.3 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G37
  • 3 should be used when there is clear documentation of acute transverse myelitis in the context of a demyelinating disease
  • It is important to ensure that the acute episode is well
  • documented and that any underlying conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G37.3 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99223CPT Code

Initial hospital care, typically involving a comprehensive evaluation.

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with acute transverse myelitis is admitted for evaluation and treatment.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history, examination findings, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology specialists should ensure thorough documentation of neurological deficits.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute transverse myelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation of acute episodes and their relationship to underlying conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute transverse myelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation of acute episodes and their relationship to underlying conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation of acute episodes and their relationship to underlying conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary treatment for acute transverse myelitis?

The primary treatment for acute transverse myelitis typically involves high-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Immunomodulatory therapies may also be used to manage underlying demyelinating diseases.