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F48.2
ICD-10-CM
Pseudobulbar Affect

Find information on Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes), and treatment options. Learn about PBA symptoms, such as involuntary emotional outbursts, laughing, and crying, and how they differ from typical emotional expression. This resource provides guidance for healthcare professionals on proper PBA assessment, management, and support for patients experiencing emotional lability. Explore resources for accurate reporting and coding of Pseudobulbar Affect in medical records.

Also known as

Involuntary Emotional Expression Disorder
Pathological Laughter and Crying

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Involuntary emotional outbursts (laughing, crying) unrelated to actual feelings.
  • Clinical Signs : Sudden, exaggerated emotional displays, often inappropriate to the situation. Can include both laughter and crying.
  • Common Settings : Stroke, ALS, MS, traumatic brain injury, dementia. Neurology clinics are common settings for diagnosis.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC F48.2 Coding
G35

Multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases

Pseudobulbar affect can be a symptom of MS and similar conditions.

F01-F09

Vascular dementia

PBA may occur in vascular dementia due to brain damage.

G31.84

Other specified degenerative diseases of nervous system

This code can be used for PBA associated with specific conditions like ALS.

R45.81

Other symptoms and signs involving emotional state

This is a more general code for unspecified emotional symptoms, including PBA.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the diagnosis Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)?

  • Yes

    Is PBA associated with a neurological condition?

  • No

    Do not code for Pseudobulbar Affect. Code for the presenting symptoms or diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Involuntary emotional outbursts
Depression with emotional lability
Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document episodic, involuntary crying/laughing.
  • Confirm incongruence of affect and mood.
  • Rule out other neurological conditions.
  • Note impact on daily life functioning.
  • Link symptoms to underlying neurological disease.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document PBA symptoms with ICD-10-CM G47.11 for accurate coding.
  • Screen for PBA in neurological patients using validated tools for improved CDI.
  • Educate patients on PBA management strategies to ensure care plan compliance.
  • Consider medication options like dextromethorphanquinidine for PBA symptom control.
  • Regularly assess PBA severity and treatment response for optimal patient outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Episodic involuntary laughingcrying spells?
  • 2. Incongruent emotional expression?
  • 3. Underlying neuro condition MS ALS TBI?
  • 4. Rule out other psych conditions?
  • 5. Document PBA symptoms triggers impact

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Pseudobulbar Affect Reimbursement: Optimize coding with ICD-10 G35 for accurate claims processing and maximize revenue. Improve medical billing accuracy for PBA.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: PBA impacts patient-reported outcomes. Track functional status and quality of life metrics using appropriate assessment tools.
  • Coding Accuracy Impact: Correct G35 coding impacts hospital reporting on neurological conditions. Accurate coding ensures proper resource allocation.
  • Hospital Reporting Impact: Precise PBA documentation improves neurological disorder data reporting. Accurate reporting facilitates better patient care strategies.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code G37.81 for PBA
  • Document specific PBA symptoms
  • Link PBA to underlying cause
  • Rule out other diagnoses
  • Consider ICD-10-CM guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA), also known as emotional lability, involuntary emotional expression disorder, or emotional incontinence.  The patient exhibits episodes of uncontrolled laughing or crying, often disproportionate to or incongruent with the social context.  These emotional outbursts are involuntary and may be easily triggered.  The patient reports experiencing significant distress and impairment in social functioning due to these unpredictable episodes.  Differential diagnosis includes mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, as well as other neurological conditions.  Assessment includes a thorough neurological examination, review of medical history, and consideration of contributing factors such as underlying neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis, ALS, stroke, or traumatic brain injury.  The patient's presentation meets the diagnostic criteria for PBA according to the DSM-5.  Treatment plan includes patient and family education regarding PBA, its causes, and management strategies.  Pharmacological interventions, such as dextromethorphan-quinidine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be considered to manage the frequency and severity of emotional outbursts.  Referral to a neurologist or psychiatrist may be warranted for further evaluation and management.  Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor symptom progression, treatment efficacy, and adjust the treatment plan as needed.  ICD-10 code G47.11 is used for Pseudobulbar affect due to other specified disease and F06.6 for Emotional lability when due to a mental disorder.  CPT codes for evaluation and management services will be used for billing purposes based on the complexity of the visit.
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