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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG90.51

G90.51

Billable

Complex regional pain syndrome I of upper limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G90.51 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome i of upper limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) I of the upper limb is a chronic pain condition that typically follows an injury or trauma to a limb, characterized by severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature. The pain is often disproportionate to the initial injury and may be accompanied by sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction. In CRPS I, there is no identifiable nerve injury, distinguishing it from CRPS II, which involves nerve damage. Patients may experience allodynia (pain from stimuli that do not normally provoke pain), hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain), and trophic changes such as hair and nail growth abnormalities. The condition can lead to significant functional impairment and psychological distress, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for management, including pain management, physical therapy, and psychological support. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improve outcomes and prevent long-term disability.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in symptom presentation among patients
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of pain characteristics
  • Differentiation from other pain syndromes and conditions
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of pain severity and duration
  • Failure to document the initial injury or trauma
  • Lack of evidence for multidisciplinary treatment approaches
  • Misclassification with other pain syndromes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pain Management

Documentation Requirements

Detailed pain assessments, treatment plans, and response to therapies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic pain following upper limb injuries.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the pain characteristics and treatment modalities used.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing functional assessments and therapy interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation for mobility and strength in the affected limb.

Billing Considerations

Therapy goals and patient progress must be clearly documented to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G90.51 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G90
  • 51 should be used when the patient presents with symptoms consistent with CRPS I of the upper limb, following an identifiable injury
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including pain characteristics and treatment history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G90.51 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97001CPT Code

Physical therapy evaluation

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial assessment of CRPS I symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed evaluation of functional limitations and pain assessment.

Specialty Considerations

Physical therapists should document specific interventions and patient responses.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of complex conditions like CRPS I, facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of complex conditions like CRPS I, facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of complex conditions like CRPS I, facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pain Medicine

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pain Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary symptoms of CRPS I?

Primary symptoms include severe pain, swelling, changes in skin color and temperature, and functional impairment of the affected limb.

How is CRPS I diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, including the presence of pain, sensory changes, and evidence of autonomic dysfunction following an injury.