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G54.0
ICD-10-CM
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Find information on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 G54.0), symptoms, and treatment. Learn about neurogenic, venous, and arterial TOS, scalene muscle involvement, costoclavicular space compression, and diagnostic tests like Adson's maneuver, Roos test, and imaging studies. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on accurate TOS documentation and coding best practices.

Also known as

TOS
Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Compression of nerves and blood vessels between collarbone and first rib.
  • Clinical Signs : Neck, shoulder, arm pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, swelling. Color changes in hand.
  • Common Settings : Physical therapy, pain management clinics, vascular surgery, thoracic surgery.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC G54.0 Coding
G54.0

Brachial plexus disorders

Compression of nerves in the brachial plexus, causing pain and weakness in the arm and hand.

I87.0

Subclavian artery occlusion/stenosis

Narrowing or blockage of the subclavian artery, reducing blood flow to the arm.

I87.1

Axillary artery occlusion/stenosis

Narrowing or blockage of the axillary artery, affecting blood flow to the arm.

M79.1

Radiculopathy NOS

Pinched nerve causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm, not otherwise specified.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the thoracic outlet syndrome neurogenic?

  • Yes

    Is it traumatic?

  • No

    Is it venous?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Cervical Radiculopathy
Brachial Plexopathy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome diagnosis documentation
  • ICD-10 code G54.0: Document TOS type
  • Symptoms: Pain, numbness, weakness
  • Physical exam: Adson's, Roos tests
  • Imaging studies: X-ray, CT, MRI findings

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding TOS without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. Use ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for laterality.

  • Neurogenic vs. Vascular

    Incorrectly differentiating neurogenic (G54.0) vs. vascular TOS (I87.0) impacts severity coding and reimbursement. CDI specialists should clarify documentation.

  • Symptom Coding

    Coding symptoms like pain (M79.609) without the TOS diagnosis leads to underreporting and lost revenue. Code both the diagnosis and contributing symptoms.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document TOS symptoms, ICD-10 G54.0, for accurate coding.
  • Rule out other diagnoses, like cervical radiculopathy, in CDI.
  • Thorough physical exam, including Adson's test, for compliance.
  • Imaging studies (X-ray, MRI) to support TOS diagnosis, avoid denials.
  • Record TOS treatment plan for compliance and improved patient outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify symptoms: arm/hand pain, numbness, weakness
  • 2. Check physical exam: Adson's, Roos, Wright tests
  • 3. Review imaging: CXR, MRI brachial plexus
  • 4. Evaluate EMG/NCS findings if indicated
  • 5. Assess for differential diagnoses: cervical radiculopathy

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (G54.0) and CPT coding for interventions (e.g., 35601, 64721). Proper documentation supports optimal payment.
  • Quality metrics for TOS focus on patient-reported outcomes, functional improvement, and pain reduction. Accurate coding reflects care quality.
  • TOS misdiagnosis or coding errors can lead to claim denials, reduced reimbursement, and negatively impact hospital quality reporting metrics.
  • Timely and accurate TOS diagnosis coding improves revenue cycle management, minimizes claim denials, and supports appropriate resource allocation.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Document TOS symptoms, exam findings
  • Code G54.1, specify type/side
  • Rule out neuro/vascular causes
  • Consider imaging/EMG findings
  • Check payer guidelines for TOS

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).  Presenting complaints include [Insert specific patient complaints such as neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or swelling].  Pain characteristics described as [Insert descriptors such as sharp, dull, aching, burning, throbbing, or radiating].  Symptoms are [Insert symptom frequency and duration such as intermittent, constant, worsening, improving, or associated with specific activities].  On physical examination, [Insert relevant physical exam findings such as positive Adson's sign, positive Roos test, diminished pulses, palpable supraclavicular mass, or limited range of motion].  Differential diagnosis includes cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexus neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and other causes of upper extremity pain.  Assessment suggests neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS), venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS), or arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (ATOS) based on presenting symptoms and examination findings.  Plan includes [Insert planned diagnostic tests such as chest X-ray, cervical spine X-ray, MRI, CT scan, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, or vascular studies].  Conservative treatment options discussed including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management.  Surgical intervention will be considered if conservative management fails to provide adequate symptom relief.  Patient education provided regarding thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for [Insert date and time of follow-up appointment].  Referral to [Insert specialist referral if applicable such as vascular surgeon, thoracic surgeon, neurologist, or pain specialist].
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation