2025 ICD-10-CM code G71
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the nervous system - Diseases of myoneural junction and muscle 6 Feed
Primary disorders of muscles
Medical necessity for services related to G71 is established by documenting the diagnosis of a primary muscle disorder and the need for diagnostic testing, treatment, or management of symptoms and complications.This documentation should support the clinical rationale for interventions aimed at improving the patient's functional status and quality of life.
Clinicians diagnosing primary muscle disorders conduct thorough physical and neurological examinations, evaluating muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination. Diagnostic tests include blood tests (e.g., creatine kinase levels), imaging studies (ultrasound, MRI), electromyography (EMG), genetic testing, and potentially muscle biopsy. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and addressing associated complications through medication (corticosteroids, pain relievers), physical and occupational therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
In simple words: This code represents a group of muscle diseases where the muscles themselves are the primary source of the problem. These diseases, which include muscular dystrophy and other conditions, cause the muscles to weaken and waste away.
This code encompasses a group of muscle disorders characterized by primary abnormalities within the muscles themselves. These disorders include muscular dystrophies, myotonias, and various myopathies, all of which typically manifest as muscle weakness and atrophy.It is important to differentiate these primary muscle disorders from conditions where muscle dysfunction arises secondary to other systemic issues like metabolic or endocrine disorders, myositis, or arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
Example 1: A 5-year-old boy presents with progressive difficulty walking and frequent falls. After extensive testing, including a muscle biopsy and genetic testing, he is diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, coded as G71.0., A 30-year-old woman experiences persistent muscle stiffness and delayed muscle relaxation after contractions.Following EMG studies and clinical evaluation, she receives a diagnosis of myotonia congenita, categorized under G71.1., A 60-year-old man exhibits gradual muscle weakness and wasting, particularly in the proximal muscles.After ruling out other potential causes, he is diagnosed with an unspecified myopathy, classified as G71.9.
Documentation for G71 should include details of the patient's medical history, family history (if relevant for genetic disorders), physical examination findings (muscle weakness, atrophy, etc.), results of diagnostic tests (blood tests, EMG, genetic tests, muscle biopsy), and any associated symptoms or complications.
- Specialties:Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Genetics
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic