Full Answer
F44.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2021 edition of ICD-10-CM F44.5 became effective on October 1, 2020. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of F44.5 - other international versions of ICD-10 F44.5 may differ. epileptic convulsions and seizures ( G40.-)
The latest edition of AHA, Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS has given direction to coders on reporting the diagnosis of pseudoseizures. Let’s dig into this diagnosis a little to understand it better. What Exactly is a Pseudoseizure? Pseudoseizures are a form of non-epileptic seizure.
2018/2019 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code F44.5. Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions. F44.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
The provider’s final diagnostic statement listed, “Psychogenic non-epileptic attacks (PNEA)” and the patient was referred to psychiatry. What is the proper code assignment for psychogenic non-epileptic attacks, when the symptoms do not correlate with epileptic seizures? ...
When coding for PNES as a conversion disorder using ICD-10, the diagnosis must include the specifier “with attacks or seizures” (ICD-10 code F44. 5) to differentiate it from other conversion symptoms (eg, dysarthria, sensory loss), which are coded separately.
ICD-10-CM Diagnostic Coding for Non-Epileptic Seizures. G40 Codes and R56.
The most reliable test to make the diagnosis of PNES is video EEG monitoring that records the episodes in question. During a video-EEG, the person is monitored (over a time-period spanning anywhere from several hours to several days) with both a video camera and an EEG until a seizure occurs.
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures are episodes of movement, sensation, or behaviors that are similar to epileptic seizures but do not have a neurologic origin; rather, they are somatic manifestations of psychologic distress.
Intractable epilepsy is when seizures can't be completely controlled by medicines. (Intractable means "not easily managed or relieved.") It's also called refractory, uncontrolled, or drug-resistant epilepsy.
9 became effective on October 1, 2021. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of R56. 9 - other international versions of ICD-10 R56.
Diagnosing NEAD can be difficult even for specialists but it can reliably be distinguished from epilepsy using video-EEG which shows normal electrical activity in the brain during attacks.
PNES can mimic (appear outwardly like) seizures and for that reason PNES are commonly diagnosed and treated at epilepsy centers. The diagnosis is typically made using a combination of information, but PNES is most reliably determined by recording a typical PNES event with video EEG (electroencephalogram) monitoring.
Evidence-based answer. During an attack, findings such as asynchronous or side-to-side movements, crying, and eye closure suggest pseudoseizures, whereas occurrence during sleep indicates a true seizure.
Most common are epileptic seizures, or seizures caused by sudden abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Non-epileptic seizures, on the other hand, are not accom- panied by abnormal electrical discharges. They have been previously called pseudoseizures, but that term is mislead- ing.
Medical professionals previously referred to PNES as “pseudoseizures.” This term is outdated and not generally preferred by neurologists. “Pseudo” is a Latin word meaning false. However, nonepileptic seizures are as real as epileptic seizures and are not consciously or purposefully produced.
Neurologic symptoms due to a psychogenic cause are frequently seen in clinical practice. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and psychogenic movement disorders (PMD) are among the most common psychogenic neurologic disorders.