What is the ICD-10 code for pseudoseizures?

The ICD-10 code for pseudoseizures, also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, is F44.5 when a psychological cause is confirmed. Use R56.9 if the cause is unspecified.

How do you differentiate between PNES and epilepsy in coding?

PNES is coded as F44.5 when psychological factors are confirmed, while epilepsy is coded under G40.-. EEG findings help differentiate these conditions.

ICD-10 Coding for Pseudoseizure(F44.5, F32.9, F45.8)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for pseudoseizures (PNES), including primary codes, documentation requirements, and differentiation from epilepsy.

Also known as:

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic SeizuresPNESFunctional Seizures

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pseudoseizure

F01-F99Primary Range

Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
F44.5	Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions	Use when psychological etiology is confirmed and documented.	Video EEG confirms no epileptiform activity during events Psychological evaluation confirms stress or trauma
R56.9	Unspecified convulsions	Use when pseudoseizures are documented without confirmation of conversion disorder.	Lack of specific diagnosis linking to conversion disorder No psychological evaluation or stressor identified

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions

F44.5Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Epilepsy, unspecified, not intractable, without status epilepticusG40.909

Use for confirmed epilepsy; differentiate by EEG findings.

Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsionsF44.5

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Pseudoseizure.

Documenting 'pseudoseizure' without specifying conversion disorder.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit discrepancies., Financial: May result in incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation

Use terms like 'PNES' or 'functional seizures'., Ensure psychological evaluation is documented.

Using G40 codes for epilepsy when PNES is present without confirmed epilepsy.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Potential for audit failure due to misclassification., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation

Ensure EEG findings and psychological evaluations are documented to differentiate PNES from epilepsy.

Misclassification of Seizure Type

Impact

Risk of coding PNES as epilepsy without proper documentation.

Mitigation

Ensure EEG and psychological evaluations are documented.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with F44.5.

Primary Code

F44.5

Conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes6

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Pseudoseizure(F44.5, F32.9, F45.8)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for pseudoseizures?

How do you differentiate between PNES and epilepsy in coding?

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