ICD-10 Codes for Methamphetamine-Induced Tic Syndrome
The most appropriate ICD-10 codes for tic syndrome related to methamphetamine use are F15.x with secondary code G25.61 (Drug-induced tics).
Primary Coding Algorithm
First code the substance use disorder:
- F15.10 - Methamphetamine use disorder, mild
- F15.20 - Methamphetamine use disorder, moderate or severe
- F15.90 - Methamphetamine use, unspecified
Then add the manifestation code:
- G25.61 - Drug-induced tics
Additional Relevant Codes
For comprehensive documentation, consider these additional codes when applicable:
For acute intoxication with tics:
- F15.129 - Methamphetamine intoxication with perceptual disturbances
- F15.122 - Methamphetamine intoxication with perceptual disturbance, with use disorder, moderate or severe
For withdrawal with tics:
- F15.23 - Methamphetamine withdrawal
For persistent tic disorder induced by methamphetamine:
- F95.1 - Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder (as secondary code)
Clinical Context
The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes methamphetamine as a CNS stimulant that can induce movement disorders including tics 1. Methamphetamine affects the central nervous system by stimulating the release and blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine 2, which can lead to motor and verbal tics.
The FDA drug label for methamphetamine explicitly warns that CNS stimulants, including methamphetamine, have been associated with the onset or exacerbation of motor and verbal tics and worsening of Tourette's syndrome 3. This establishes a clear causal relationship that should be documented in the medical record.
Coding Pitfalls to Avoid
Don't use F95.x codes alone - These codes (for primary tic disorders) fail to capture the substance-induced etiology.
Don't omit the substance use code - The primary code should always reflect the methamphetamine use disorder.
Avoid using G25.6 without specificity - Use G25.61 specifically for drug-induced tics rather than the less specific G25.6 (Drug-induced movement disorders).
Don't confuse with functional tic-like behaviors - Methamphetamine-induced tics are physiological in nature, not functional/psychogenic (which would use different codes) 4.
Documentation Requirements
For proper coding, ensure documentation includes:
- Clear temporal relationship between methamphetamine use and tic onset
- Description of tic characteristics (motor, vocal, or both)
- Duration and severity of tics
- Pattern of methamphetamine use (including frequency and amount)
- Whether tics persist after cessation of methamphetamine use
The validity of these diagnostic codes is generally high in administrative registers, with positive predictive values of 97% for tic disorders coded in ICD-10 5, making accurate coding particularly important for both clinical care and research purposes.