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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG52.9

G52.9

Billable

Cranial nerve disorder, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G52.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cranial nerve disorder, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cranial nerve disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the cranial nerves, which are responsible for various sensory and motor functions. These disorders can arise from a variety of etiologies, including trauma, infections, tumors, and systemic diseases. Symptoms may include weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, loss of sensation, or altered taste and smell. The unspecified designation indicates that the specific cranial nerve affected or the underlying cause is not clearly defined. Clinicians may perform nerve conduction studies to assess the function of the cranial nerves, which can help in diagnosing specific neuropathies or entrapments. Treatment options vary widely based on the underlying cause and may include physical therapy, medications, or surgical interventions. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Overlap with other neurological conditions
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation
  • Potential for multiple cranial nerves to be involved

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms
  • Lack of specificity in diagnosis
  • Inconsistent clinical findings
  • Failure to document nerve conduction studies

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, including cranial nerve assessments and results from diagnostic tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with facial weakness, sensory loss, or unexplained neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all cranial nerves are evaluated and documented to support the diagnosis.

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of symptoms related to hearing, balance, and facial sensation, along with any imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with unexplained hearing loss or facial asymmetry.

Billing Considerations

Document any relevant surgical history that may impact cranial nerve function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G52.9 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding and reporting, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • 9 should be used when the specific cranial nerve disorder is not identified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G52.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

95870CPT Code

Nerve conduction studies

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate cranial nerve function in patients with suspected disorders.

Documentation Requirements

Document the rationale for the study and specific nerves tested.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure that the study results correlate with clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding cranial nerve disorders, but the unspecified codes like G52.9 remain important for cases where the diagnosis is not fully defined.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding cranial nerve disorders, but the unspecified codes like G52.9 remain important for cases where the diagnosis is not fully defined.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

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 G52.9?

Use G52.9 when a patient presents with symptoms of cranial nerve dysfunction, but the specific disorder is not identified or documented.