AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2013 Quarter 1; Ask the Editor - ICD-9-CM Coding
Bilateral Peripheral Neuropathy
How is peripheral neuropathy of both legs classified? In ICD-9-CM, peripheral neuropathy of the leg or lower extremity is classified to code 355.8 , Mononeuritis of lower limb, unspecified. Mononeuropathy is defined as disease affecting a single nerve or a single group of nerves. Polyneuropathy is defined as disease affecting multiple nerves. Is peripheral neuropathy of both legs considered a mononeuropathy ( 355.8 ) or a polyneuropathy ( 356.9 )? When there is peripheral neuropathy in both legs, but it is caused by disease in the same nerve bilaterally, is this considered a mononeuropathy or a polyneuropathy? ...
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Article Overview
This short coding article addresses classification questions for peripheral neuropathy affecting both legs in ICD-9-CM. It is aimed at coding professionals who need to understand the general topic area, the relevant code set, and the type of classification issue being discussed. The article centers on how the condition is categorized when bilateral involvement is present and on the broader distinction between single-nerve and multiple-nerve disease patterns.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate classification of neuropathy patterns affects diagnosis coding consistency and helps coders align documentation with the appropriate ICD-9-CM category for lower-extremity nerve conditions.
What You Will Learn
- How bilateral peripheral neuropathy is framed within ICD-9-CM classification
- The general distinction between mononeuropathy and polyneuropathy
- What kind of coding question arises when both legs are affected
- How lower-extremity neuropathy terminology is discussed in relation to diagnosis coding
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Clinical documentation specialists
Codes Discussed
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