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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG97.4

G97.4

Billable

Accidental puncture and laceration of a nervous system organ or structure during a procedure

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G97.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of accidental puncture and laceration of a nervous system organ or structure during a procedure.

Key Diagnostic Point:

G97.4 refers to the accidental puncture or laceration of a nervous system organ or structure that occurs during a medical procedure. This can include procedures such as lumbar punctures, epidural injections, or neurosurgical interventions. Such incidents can lead to various complications, including pain syndromes, autonomic disorders, and hydrocephalus. Pain syndromes may manifest as neuropathic pain or chronic pain conditions due to nerve damage. Autonomic disorders can arise from disruption of the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as abnormal heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, or gastrointestinal issues. Hydrocephalus may develop if cerebrospinal fluid pathways are obstructed or if there is bleeding into the ventricular system. The clinical implications of G97.4 are significant, as they can lead to prolonged recovery times, additional interventions, and increased healthcare costs. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement, as well as for tracking complications in clinical practice.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of procedures that can lead to this complication
  • Need for detailed documentation of the procedure and the incident
  • Potential for multiple diagnoses related to the complication
  • Variability in clinical presentation and outcomes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the procedure leading to the injury
  • Failure to specify the type of nervous system structure affected
  • Lack of clarity on the clinical implications of the injury
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the procedure, patient history, and any complications arising from the incident.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with new-onset pain syndromes or autonomic dysfunction following a procedure.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant symptoms and complications are documented to support the coding of G97.4.

Anesthesiology

Documentation Requirements

Thorough records of the anesthetic technique used, patient positioning, and any intraoperative complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Accidental nerve injury during regional anesthesia procedures.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the exact nature of the procedure and any immediate complications is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G97.4 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, G97
  • 4 should be used when there is clear documentation of an accidental puncture or laceration of a nervous system structure during a procedure
  • It is essential to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the incident is clearly linked to the procedure performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G97.4 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

62270CPT Code

Lumbar puncture

Clinical Scenario

Used when a lumbar puncture leads to an accidental nerve injury.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, technique used, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology and anesthesiology should ensure clear communication regarding procedural risks.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complications like G97.4, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the coding of accidental injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complications like G97.4, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the coding of accidental injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the coding of accidental injuries.

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

What should be documented to support the use of G97.4?

Documentation should include details of the procedure performed, the circumstances of the accidental injury, and any resulting complications or treatments. Clear linkage between the procedure and the diagnosis is crucial.