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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG90.521

G90.521

Billable

Complex regional pain syndrome I of right lower limb

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G90.521 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome i of right lower limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) I, previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic pain condition that typically affects a limb following an injury or surgery. In the case of G90.521, the syndrome specifically affects the right lower limb. Patients often experience severe, persistent pain that is disproportionate to the initial injury, along with other symptoms such as swelling, changes in skin color and temperature, and abnormal sweating. The pain is believed to arise from a malfunction in the peripheral and central nervous systems, leading to an exaggerated response to pain signals. Autonomic dysfunction is also a hallmark of CRPS, contributing to the symptoms of altered blood flow and temperature regulation in the affected limb. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the history of pain and associated symptoms, and may involve imaging studies to rule out other conditions. Treatment often includes pain management strategies, physical therapy, and in some cases, nerve blocks or medications aimed at modulating nerve activity. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term disability.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Varied presentation of symptoms among patients
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of pain severity and functional impairment
  • Potential overlap with other pain syndromes
  • Requirement for multidisciplinary approach in treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of pain severity and functional limitations
  • Failure to document the initial injury or surgery leading to CRPS
  • Lack of evidence for treatment efficacy
  • Misclassification of CRPS as another pain syndrome

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pain Management

Documentation Requirements

Detailed records of pain assessments, treatment plans, and patient responses to therapies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic pain following an injury, requiring multidisciplinary management.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the progression of symptoms and the impact on daily functioning.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological evaluations, including sensory and motor assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with neuropathic pain and autonomic dysfunction requiring diagnostic clarification.

Billing Considerations

Neurological assessments should be well-documented to support the diagnosis of CRPS.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G90.521 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G90
  • 521 should be used when the patient has a confirmed diagnosis of CRPS I affecting the right lower limb
  • It is important to document the onset of symptoms, any prior injuries, and the treatment history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G90.521 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other specific pain syndromes that may mimic CRPS

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

64450CPT Code

Injection, anesthetic agent into a major nerve

Clinical Scenario

Used for pain management in patients with CRPS I.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the nerve block and patient response.

Specialty Considerations

Pain management specialists should ensure comprehensive pain assessments are included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complex conditions like CRPS I, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complex conditions like CRPS I, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pain Medicine

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pain Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I?

CRPS I typically develops after an injury or surgery, but the exact cause is not fully understood. It is believed to involve a combination of nerve injury, inflammation, and abnormal pain processing.