Summary - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
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A potentially disabling disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) causes severe damage to the central nervous system. The condition occurs when the immune system attacks the nerve fibers and myelin sheathing (a fatty substance which surrounds healthy nerve fibers) in the brain and spinal cord. Any damage to the myelin sheath interrupts nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the body, causing severe symptoms affecting the brain, spinal cord and eyes. Billing and coding for this condition can be quite challenging. Outsourcing the task to a reputable medical billing company can help neurology practices submit accurate claims, get optimal reimbursement, and avoid payment denials and delays. According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), about 250,000–350,000 people in the United States are living with MS. The exact cause of MS is unknown. This autoimmune disorder occurs in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. In addition, a combination of genetics and environmental factors appear to play a crucial role in causing the condition. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment The signs and symptoms of MS may differ from person to person depending on the location of the affected nerve fibers and other factors. Common symptoms include – • • • • • • • • • •
Electric-shock sensations Tremor, lack of coordination Spasticity and muscle spasms Vision problems Slurred speech Fatigue Dizziness Tingling or pain in parts of your body Problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function Learning and mobility problems
Several factors, such as age, certain autoimmune diseases, smoking, family history and certain infections can increase the risk of this condition in the long run. There is no single test that can diagnose the condition. A combination of physical and
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neurological tests is used to diagnose the condition. Diagnosis tests include - MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord, spinal fluid analysis, evoked potential tests, and blood tests can help assess symptoms. There is no specific cure for multiple sclerosis. Treatment for this condition involves a combination of medications, plasma exchange (plasmapheresis), muscle relaxants and physical therapy exercises to reduce symptoms. If left untreated, the condition can lead to several complications such as muscle stiffness or spasms, paralysis (typically in the legs), epilepsy and problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function. ICD-10-CM Codes for MS ICD-10-CM codes for diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis (MS) include – • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
G35 Multiple sclerosis G36 Other acute disseminated demyelination G36.0 Neuromyelitis optica [Devic] G36.1 Acute and subacute 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 Subacute 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
Reporting the correct medical codes based on the neurologist’s documentation is critical for accurate claim submission. Partnering with an experienced medical billing outsourcing company can ensure accurate and timely claim submission for optimal reimbursement.
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