Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.

Regarded as a chronic neurological disorder, Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. In MS, the immune system attacks myelin (protective layer around nerve fibers)causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. The exact cause of MS is unknown. However, the condition can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves. There is no specific cure for MS. However, certain treatment modalities can help modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms. For correct clinical documentation of this brain and spine disorder, physicians can consider utilizing the services of medical billing companies.

It is estimated that multiple sclerosis (MS) affects about 400,000 people in the United States, and about 2.5 million worldwide. It is estimated that prevalence of this condition in the United States is nearly 90 cases per 100,000 people.MS affects individuals differently. The condition can occur at any age; however, most people diagnosed come in the age group of 20 – 50 years, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. The signs and symptoms may differ greatly from person to person and over the course of the disease, depending on the location of affected nerve fibers. For some people, symptoms may be mild and do not progress for months or years. On the other hand, for others, symptoms may worsen rapidly, within weeks or months. Some of the common symptoms include – muscle weakness, complete or partial loss of vision, slurred speech, difficulties with balance, fatigue, dizziness, tingling or pain in parts of your body and problems with thinking and memory.

Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms may occur due to other conditions, and physicians must rule out other possibilities before MS is confirmed. Physicians may perform a thorough medical history evaluation to diagnose the signs and symptoms and their pattern. A neurological examination may also be done, which involves testing parts of the nervous system such as reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation of pain. An MRI test may also be performed, which may reveal MS lesions, or perform a spinal tap and evoked potential test. As mentioned above, there is no cure for MS, but medications may slow down the disease’s progression and control the symptoms.

ICD-10 Diagnosis Code for Multiple Sclerosis

ICD-10 codeG35 denotes Multiple sclerosis. G35 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used on the medical claim to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

• G35 – Multiple sclerosis

• G36 – Other acute disseminated demyelination

• G36.0 – Neuromyelitis optica [Devic]

• G36.1 – Acute and sub-acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis [Hurst]

• G36.8 – Other specified acute disseminated demyelination

• G36.9 – Acute disseminated demyelination, unspecified

• G37 – Other demyelinating diseases of central nervous system

• G37. 0 – Diffuse sclerosis of central nervous system

• G37. 1 – Central demyelination of corpus callosum

• G37. 2 – Central pontine myelinolysis

• G37. 3 – Acute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of central nervous system

• G37. 4 – Sub-acute necrotizing myelitis of central nervous system

• G37. 5 – Concentric sclerosis [Balo] of central nervous system

• G37. 8 – Other specified demyelinating diseases of central nervous system

• G37. 9 – Demyelinating disease of central nervous system, unspecified

Neurology medical billing and coding can be challenging. Medical billing outsourcing companies can provide the right support to physicians looking to ensure accurate medical coding and claim submission to payers. Further, professional, AAPC-certified coding specialists assign only the latest relevant codes as they stay updated with all the additions, deletions and modifications made to the medical codes from time to time. The correct codes on the medical claims are vital to get paid for the services.