Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: When a patient suffers from chronic pain syndrome (CPS), what exactly does that mean? Also, how do you choose an ICD-10-CM code for the condition?

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Answer: CPS is characterized by persistent pain lasting longer than a typical healing period; typically, it is defined as pain that has lasted more than three to six months. You’ll report CPS with G89.4 (Chronic pain syndrome).

More on condition: Patients with CPS are suffering from more than physical pain, though that is a component of the condition. CPS interferes with the patient’s physical, psychological, and social lives — and greatly impacts that patient’s quality of life.

CPS is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and emotional distress — and these psychological stressors can make the patient’s pain feel even worse than it actually is. If not treated properly, CPS can have a negative effect on a patient’s ability to work and have personal relationships.

Chris Boucher, MS, CPC, Senior Development Editor, AAPC