2025 ICD-10-CM code B91
Sequelae of poliomyelitis. This code excludes postpolio syndrome (G14).
Medical necessity should be established by demonstrating the direct relationship between the current condition and the prior poliomyelitis infection. Documentation should support the need for treatment and/or management of the sequelae.
A patient with sequelae of poliomyelitis can experience muscle wasting, weakness, respiratory difficulties and/or sleep apnea, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), difficulty speaking, and residual partial or complete paralysis. Providers diagnose the disease based on a history of prior poliomyelitis, signs and symptoms, and neurological examination. Diagnostic studies and procedures are based on the specific sequelae but electromyogram, sleep studies, and MRI or CT of the brain and spine are common. Blood tests and muscle biopsy may be performed to rule out other causes of symptoms. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief, such as pain management, physical, speech, and occupational therapy for neurological sequelae, and airway support if sleep apnea is present.
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
- Sequelae of infectious and parasitic diseases (B90-B94)
In simple words: This code describes the after-effects of polio, which can show up years later. Polio is a very contagious disease that can cause paralysis.
Sequelae of poliomyelitis refers to conditions resulting from secondary infections and/or organ damage that occurred during the active disease phase.These effects manifest later, sometimes years after treatment. Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious, but nearly eradicated, viral disease affecting the nervous system, caused by the poliovirus of the enterovirus group.
Example 1: A 50-year-old patient presents with progressive muscle weakness and atrophy in the right leg, diagnosed as a sequela of childhood poliomyelitis. Code B91 is used., A patient experiences respiratory difficulties and sleep apnea, years after recovering from poliomyelitis. These are identified as long-term effects, coded as B91., An elderly patient with a history of polio develops dysphagia. This difficulty swallowing is a late effect of the polio infection and is coded with B91.
Documentation should include evidence of a prior history of poliomyelitis and the specific nature of the sequelae being addressed, including signs, symptoms, examination findings, and diagnostic test results.
** It is essential to differentiate between the sequelae of poliomyelitis (B91) and postpolio syndrome (G14), which is a separate condition that can occur years after the initial polio infection.
- Specialties:Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pulmonology, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office, Home Health, Skilled Nursing Facility