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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR20.1

R20.1

Hypoesthesia of skin

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R20.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of hypoesthesia of skin.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Hypoesthesia of skin refers to a reduced sensitivity to tactile stimuli, which can manifest as numbness or a tingling sensation in the affected areas. This condition can arise from various underlying causes, including neurological disorders, peripheral nerve damage, or systemic diseases. Patients may report a diminished ability to feel light touch, temperature changes, or pain in the skin. The condition can be localized to a specific area or generalized across larger regions of the body. Common causes include diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and vitamin deficiencies. The diagnostic approach typically involves a thorough clinical history, neurological examination, and may include nerve conduction studies or imaging to identify the underlying cause. Accurate documentation of the patient's symptoms, duration, and any associated factors is crucial for effective coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes requiring differential diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other neurological symptoms
  • Need for detailed patient history and examination findings
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the patient's sensory deficits
  • Failure to specify the location of hypoesthesia
  • Misclassification of hypoesthesia as anesthesia or paresthesia
  • Lack of correlation between clinical findings and the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with diabetes-related neuropathy or vitamin deficiencies.

Billing Considerations

Consider comorbid conditions that may contribute to hypoesthesia.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of sensory deficits, including neurological examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are critical in emergency settings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R20.1 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring specificity in documentation and correlating clinical findings with the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R20.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

95903CPT Code

Nerve conduction studies

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate peripheral nerve function in patients with hypoesthesia.

Documentation Requirements

Document the rationale for the study and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Neurology specialists often perform these studies.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hypoesthesia, improving the ability to track and manage this symptom in various clinical contexts.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hypoesthesia, improving the ability to track and manage this symptom in various clinical contexts.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hypoesthesia, improving the ability to track and manage this symptom in various clinical contexts.

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 is the difference between hypoesthesia and paresthesia?

Hypoesthesia refers to a reduced sensitivity to stimuli, while paresthesia refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling or prickling, often without an external stimulus.