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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR25

R25

Abnormal involuntary movements

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R25 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal involuntary movements.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Abnormal involuntary movements encompass a variety of motor disturbances that are not under voluntary control. These movements can include tremors, tics, chorea, dystonia, and myoclonus, among others. They may arise from a multitude of underlying conditions, including neurological disorders, metabolic imbalances, or as side effects of medications. The clinical presentation can vary widely, with movements being rhythmic or irregular, and can affect any part of the body. Patients may experience these movements intermittently or continuously, and they can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical history, neurological examination, and sometimes advanced imaging or laboratory tests to identify the underlying cause. The presence of abnormal involuntary movements can indicate serious conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or drug-induced movement disorders, necessitating prompt evaluation and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes requiring differential diagnosis
  • Overlap with other movement disorders
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation
  • Potential for misclassification with similar codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the type and frequency of movements
  • Failure to specify underlying conditions
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Lack of clarity in the clinical rationale for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, including onset, duration, and associated factors; neurological examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained tremors or tics, requiring comprehensive evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of medication history and potential drug-induced movements.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of involuntary movements, including vital signs and neurological status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute dystonic reactions or seizures.

Billing Considerations

Rapid identification of life-threatening conditions and appropriate coding for acute interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R25 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is supported by clinical documentation
  • Document the specific type of involuntary movement and any relevant history or findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R25 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related Codes

Child Codes

6 codes
R25.0
Abnormal head movements
R25.1
Tremor, unspecified
R25.2
Cramp and spasm
R25.3
Fasciculation
R25.8
Other abnormal involuntary movements
R25.9
Unspecified abnormal involuntary movements

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with abnormal involuntary movements.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine and neurology may require more detailed documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of involuntary movements, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these symptoms and their underlying causes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of involuntary movements, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these symptoms and their underlying causes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of involuntary movements, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these symptoms and their underlying causes.

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 are the common causes of abnormal involuntary movements?

Common causes include neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, metabolic disorders, and drug-induced movement disorders.