Multiple sclerosis ICD-10 code
The ICD-10-CM code for multiple sclerosis is G35 (multiple sclerosis). It is a header code, so you must code to a higher level of specificity. There are 14 related codes, and which one you use depends on what the documentation supports.
Also written as ms.
The mistake coders make here
G35 is a single code with no subdivisions: there is nothing to choose. Code the manifestations separately if they are documented and clinically significant.
Putting multiple sclerosis on a claim? Check the claim’s diagnosis codes free: Excludes1 conflicts, header codes and missing seventh characters, before it goes out.
ICD-10-CM codes for multiple sclerosis
11 of 14 are billable. Green means you can submit it as-is.
| Code | Use it when |
|---|---|
| G35 | Multiple sclerosisnot billable on its own |
| G35.B | Primary progressive multiple sclerosisnot billable on its own |
| G35.C | Secondary progressive multiple sclerosisnot billable on its own |
| G35.A | Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis |
| G35.B0 | Primary progressive multiple sclerosis, unspecified |
| G35.C0 | Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, unspecified |
| G35.B1 | Active primary progressive multiple sclerosis |
| G35.C1 | Active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis |
| G35.B2 | Non-active primary progressive multiple sclerosis |
| G35.C2 | Non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis |
| G35.D | Multiple sclerosis, unspecified |
| C81.18 | Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites |
| M85.19 | Skeletal fluorosis, multiple sites |
| M87.89 | Other osteonecrosis, multiple sites |
Once you have the code
- Check the whole claim: Excludes1 conflicts and missing seventh characters, free
- Denial codes explained: what CO-16, CO-97 and the rest actually mean
- Decision guides: walk a chart note to a code, guideline cited
- Everything here that is free, and the one thing no free tool includes
One code for the disease, separate codes for what it does
G35 is the only code for multiple sclerosis and it carries no type, severity or activity: relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive and primary progressive MS are all G35, and an exacerbation is G35 too. What makes the record complete is coding the documented manifestations alongside it: neurogenic bladder (N31.9), spasticity, gait abnormality (R26.-), optic neuritis (H46.-), fatigue (R53.83), depression, dysphagia (R13.1-), because those are what drive the encounter, the therapy orders and the risk adjustment.
What is not G35
Clinically isolated syndrome and 'possible MS' are not coded as G35 unless the provider makes the diagnosis; in the outpatient setting you code the presenting neurological symptom instead. Neuromyelitis optica is G36.0, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is G36.1 and other demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system sit in G37.-: none of them are MS. Transverse myelitis on its own is G37.3.
Therapy and status codes worth carrying
Disease-modifying therapy is long-term drug use, Z79.899, and monoclonal-antibody infusions are typically billed with the drug's own HCPCS code on the claim line. A patient who is wheelchair dependent carries Z99.3; one with a documented history of falls, Z91.81. A pregnant patient with MS is coded from O99.35- first with G35 second, per the obstetric sequencing rule.
Common questions
- What is the ICD-10 code for multiple sclerosis?
- G35. It is billable and covers every type of MS (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive and primary progressive) and every stage, including an exacerbation.
- Is there a separate ICD-10 code for an MS exacerbation or flare?
- No. An exacerbation is still G35. Code the manifestations the flare produces (for example optic neuritis H46.- or gait abnormality R26.-) alongside it.
- What is the ICD-10 code for clinically isolated syndrome?
- There is no code for CIS as such, and G35 should not be assigned unless the provider diagnoses MS. Code the documented neurological finding, such as optic neuritis (H46.-) or transverse myelitis (G37.3).