Medical Coding Parkinson’s Disease

Medical Coding Parkinson’s Disease: Guidelines and Tips

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle control, and balance. Accurate medical coding for Parkinson’s disease is essential for appropriate reimbursement, quality reporting, and tracking disease severity and complications.

In ICD-10-CM, Parkinson’s disease is classified within Chapter 6: Diseases of the Nervous System under category G20-.

Common ICD-10-CM Codes for Parkinson’s Disease

The most frequently used codes include:

• G20 – Parkinson’s disease (traditional/primary Parkinson’s)

• G20.A1 – Parkinson’s disease with dyskinesia, without fluctuations

• G20.A2 – Parkinson’s disease with dyskinesia, with fluctuations

• G20.B1 – Parkinson’s disease with motor fluctuations, without dyskinesia

• G20.B2 – Parkinson’s disease with motor fluctuations, with dyskinesia

Always review the most current ICD-10-CM guidelines for any annual updates or revisions.

Coding Guidelines for Parkinson’s Disease

Follow these key ICD-10-CM guidelines when coding Parkinson’s disease:

Code to the highest level of specificity
Select the most detailed code available based on provider documentation, including the presence of dyskinesia or motor fluctuations.

Differentiate primary vs. secondary Parkinsonism
Do not confuse Parkinson’s disease with other forms of Parkinsonism. Secondary Parkinsonism is coded using:

• G21.- for secondary Parkinsonism

Identify drug-induced Parkinsonism
If Parkinsonian symptoms are caused by medications, use:

• G21.1 – Other drug-induced secondary Parkinsonism
  Add an external cause code when required.

Report associated manifestations separately
Code-related conditions when documented, such as:

• Dementia

• Depression

• Dysphagia

• Orthostatic hypotension

• Constipation

These often require additional ICD-10-CM codes to fully capture disease complexity.

Documentation Tips for Parkinson’s Disease Coding

Encourage complete provider documentation that includes:

• Type of Parkinson’s (primary vs. secondary)

• Presence of dyskinesia

• Presence of motor fluctuations (“on/off” periods)

• Disease severity and progression

• Impact on activities of daily living (ADLs)

Detailed documentation supports accurate code selection and helps reduce claim denials.

Parkinson’s Disease Coding Tips for Medical Coders

Here are practical tips to improve coding accuracy:

Do not default to unspecified codes
Use unspecified codes only when documentation truly does not support specificity.

Watch for combination code changes
Regularly review ICD-10-CM updates to ensure you are using current Parkinson’s disease subcodes.

Query the provider when needed
If documentation is unclear about dyskinesia or motor fluctuations, submit a compliant physician query.

Sequence codes correctly
When Parkinson’s disease is the primary reason for the encounter, list it as the principal diagnosis.

Medical Coding Unlisted and Unspecified Codes 

Sequencing In Medical Coding 

Common Coding Errors to Avoid

• Coding Parkinson’s disease when documentation supports only “Parkinsonism.”

• Missing additional codes for complications or related symptoms

• Using outdated codes after annual ICD-10-CM updates

Why Accurate Parkinson’s Coding Matters

Accurate coding:

• Improves reimbursement accuracy

• Supports risk adjustment and quality measures

• Helps with population health tracking and research

Consistent use of current ICD-10-CM guidelines ensures compliant and defensible coding practices.