Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: What is the diagnosis code for phantom limb, and what methods are used for treating pain associated with this syndrome?

Illinois Subscriber

Answer: You should report phantom limb syndrome (also referred to as pseudoesthesia or stump hallucination) with 353.6. It is characterized by an abnormal tingling or burning sensation, transient aches, and intermittent or continuous pain perceived as originating in the absent limb, especially the more distal areas. Phantom limb syndrome is a dramatic example of neuropathy, in which there is no clear cause for the pain.

Because of the frequency and intensity variations, there is no single form of treatment for the pain of phantom limb syndrome. Some of the more effective therapies involve NSAIDs, local anesthetic injections into the contralateral side, and transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation (TENS). Treatment is generally progressive, beginning with more conservative therapies and advancing based on the patient's response.