What is the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) code for Tardive Dyskinesia?

ICD-10 Code for Tardive Dyskinesia

The ICD-10 code for Tardive Dyskinesia is G24.01. 1

Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia and Its Coding

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, trunk, or limbs. It is associated with long-term use of neuroleptic medications (antipsychotics) and can persist even after discontinuation of the causative medication 2.

Common manifestations include:

• Orofacial movements (repetitive tongue movements, tongue protrusion)
• Extremities movements (choreic movements of fingers and hands)
• Various combinations of dystonia, chorea, and ballism 2

Diagnostic Considerations

When documenting tardive dyskinesia in medical records, it's important to note that research has identified significant underdiagnosis of this condition. A comprehensive study analyzing electronic health records found that:

• Only 4.9% of patients with abnormal movements associated with TD had a formal ICD diagnosis
• Even among patients with explicitly documented TD in their records, only 9.2% had the corresponding ICD code 1

Diagnostic Gap and Clinical Implications

This diagnostic gap has important implications:

• Patients may not receive appropriate treatment for their condition
• The true prevalence of TD may be underestimated
• Access to specialized treatments may be limited without formal diagnosis 1

Clinical Context

For proper diagnosis and coding:

• Use standardized assessment tools like the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) to document TD symptoms
• Monitor patients on antipsychotics every 3-6 months for early signs of TD
• Document baseline abnormal movements before starting antipsychotics 2, 3

Risk Factors to Consider

When evaluating patients for potential TD diagnosis and coding:

• Duration of treatment and cumulative dose of antipsychotics (up to 50% risk after 2 years of continuous use)
• Higher risk in elderly patients and women
• Increased risk with intellectual impairment and higher baseline AIMS scores 2, 4

Common Pitfalls in TD Coding

1. Underdiagnosis: Research shows TD is frequently observed but rarely coded formally 1
2. Demographic disparities: Black/African-American patients were found to have lower odds of receiving a formal ICD diagnosis compared to white patients 1
3. Treatment setting variations: Diagnosis rates vary by clinical setting, with community mental health centers more likely to formally code TD than academic medical centers 1

By using the correct ICD-10 code G24.01 for tardive dyskinesia, clinicians can ensure proper documentation, facilitate appropriate treatment, and contribute to more accurate epidemiological data on this significant medication-induced movement disorder.