AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2006 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 AND 2 NEW/REVISED CODES
Restless Legs Syndrome
Effective October 1, 2006, code 333.94, Restless legs syndrome, has been created to uniquely identify this condition and to distinguish these patients from those with other conditions indexed to code 333.99, Other and unspecified extrapyramidal diseases and abnormal movement disorders, other. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move, when at rest, in an effort to relieve these feelings. RLS sensations are often described by people as a burning, creeping, tugging pain associated with the desire to move the legs. It does affect the...
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Article Overview
This article covers the addition of a specific ICD-9-CM diagnosis code for restless legs syndrome and places it in the context of the broader category it was separated from. It also provides a general overview of restless legs syndrome as a sensory-motor disorder, associated conditions, typical symptoms, sleep impact, and broad treatment approaches. The article is relevant to coders, CDI staff, and clinicians who need to understand how this diagnosis was distinguished in the code set and why it matters for documentation and classification.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps users recognize a diagnosis-specific coding change and understand the clinical context behind the classification update without relying on broader unspecified categories.
Article Sections
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Coding update and classification change
Explains that a specific diagnosis code was created and positioned within a broader movement-disorder category. It also notes the related code category context and deletion of the prior wording.
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Clinical overview of restless legs syndrome
Summarizes the disorder as a sensory-motor condition, including its general symptoms, timing pattern, and associated medical conditions. It also mentions ongoing investigation into possible laboratory associations.
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Treatment options
Reviews broad nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches discussed for management of the condition. It also mentions commonly used medication classes in general terms.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames a diagnosis-specific coding update
- The general clinical features associated with restless legs syndrome
- Common broad treatment approaches discussed for the condition
- How the condition is distinguished from broader unspecified movement-disorder categories
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation improvement professionals
- Clinicians
- Healthcare revenue cycle staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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