KCNQ2-Related Epilepsy ICD-10 Codes Approved!

What is an ICD-10 Code?

Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), this is the tenth version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), known as ICD-10. It is a system used worldwide by doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, and health organizations to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures. Each code is unique and provides specific information about a particular condition or disease.

The KCNQ2-related epilepsy ICD-10 codes will go into effect on October 1, 2024.

Why Are These Codes Important?

• Better Recognition of KCNQ2-related disorders: With KCNQ2-related epilepsy ICD-10 codes, KCNQ2-related epilepsy will now be more easily recognized by healthcare providers and insurers. This ensures that medical records accurately reflect the KCNQ2 diagnosis a patient has, rather than being categorized under other broader conditions.
• Improved Access to Care and Resources: These codes can make it easier for patients to obtain the medical care and therapies they need. Insurance companies often require an ICD-10 code for approval of treatments. With these new codes, there will be fewer barriers to getting the right care for your loved ones.
• Enhanced Research Opportunities: Researchers can now more accurately track and study KCNQ2-related epilepsy, which will help understand the disorder's full spectrum. This can lead to better treatments and, hopefully, a cure in the future.
• Increased Awareness and Advocacy: Specific codes raise the visibility of KCNQ2-related epilepsy within the medical community and among policymakers. This can lead to increased funding for research and support for our community.

Four new KCNQ2-Related Epilepsy ICD-10 codes

Here are the new ICD-10 codes, along with a brief explanation of each:

• G40.841 - KCNQ2-related epilepsy, not intractable, with status epilepticus
  This code is used when a patient has KCNQ2-related epilepsy that can be controlled with treatment (not intractable), but they have experienced status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is a prolonged seizure or a series of seizures without recovery in between, requiring urgent medical treatment.
• G40.842 - KCNQ2-related epilepsy, not intractable, without status epilepticus
  This code applies to patients whose KCNQ2-related epilepsy is controllable with treatment (not intractable) and who have not experienced status epilepticus.
• G40.843 - KCNQ2-related epilepsy, intractable, with status epilepticus
  This code is for patients whose KCNQ2-related epilepsy is difficult or impossible to control with treatment (intractable) and who have experienced status epilepticus.
• G40.844 - KCNQ2-related epilepsy, intractable, without status epilepticus
  This code refers to patients with KCNQ2-related epilepsy that is difficult to control with treatment (intractable) but who have not experienced status epilepticus.

What Do These Terms Mean?

• Not Intractable: This means that epilepsy can be controlled with treatment, such as medications or other therapies. It doesn't mean the condition is cured, but it can be managed.
• Intractable: This refers to epilepsy that is difficult to control despite treatment. Patients with intractable (or drug-resistant) epilepsy is considered unmanageable after at least two appropriate medicine trials.
• Status Epilepticus: This is a condition in which a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or when one seizure follows another without the person regaining consciousness in between.