G62.9 — Polyneuropathy, unspecified

Clinical Definition

Polyneuropathy is a generalized disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by symmetric, length-dependent damage to multiple nerves simultaneously. It typically presents as a distal-to-proximal gradient of sensory loss (numbness, tingling, burning), motor weakness (foot drop, hand weakness), and autonomic dysfunction. The classic presentation is a "stocking-glove" distribution of symptoms beginning in the feet and progressing proximally. Polyneuropathy may be sensory-predominant, motor-predominant, or mixed sensorimotor depending on the etiology and nerve fiber types affected.

ICD-10-CM code G62.9 is assigned when the provider documents polyneuropathy or peripheral neuropathy without specifying the underlying cause or type. This is an etiology-agnostic code used when the clinical workup has not yet identified a definitive cause, or when the documentation simply states "polyneuropathy" or "peripheral neuropathy" without further qualification. Common etiologies that would warrant more specific codes include diabetes mellitus (E11.42), alcohol use (G62.1), drug exposure (G62.0), and inflammatory conditions (G61.0).

Diagnosis is established through clinical history, neurological examination demonstrating distal sensory loss and diminished reflexes, and confirmed by electrodiagnostic studies (nerve conduction studies and electromyography). Laboratory evaluation for treatable causes typically includes HbA1c, vitamin B12, TSH, serum protein electrophoresis, and hepatitis serologies. Treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying etiology, symptomatic management of neuropathic pain, and physical therapy for balance and gait impairment.

When to Use G62.9

• ✓The provider documents 'polyneuropathy' or 'peripheral neuropathy' without specifying the underlying etiology or type.
• ✓The neuropathy workup is incomplete or inconclusive, and no specific cause has been identified — often documented as 'idiopathic polyneuropathy.'
• ✓Electrodiagnostic studies confirm a generalized polyneuropathy, but the clinical documentation does not attribute it to a specific etiology such as diabetes, alcohol, or medication.
• ✓The patient carries a problem-list diagnosis of 'polyneuropathy NOS' and the encounter documentation does not further specify the type or cause.
• ✓Coding from a referral or consultation note where the referring provider has not identified the etiology of the neuropathy.

Common Coding Mistakes

Related & Differential Codes

Documentation Requirements

• 1Type of neuropathy: specify whether the polyneuropathy is sensory, motor, sensorimotor, or autonomic to support the most accurate code selection.
• 2Etiology: document the underlying cause when known (diabetic, alcoholic, drug-induced, hereditary, inflammatory, idiopathic) — this determines whether G62.9 or a more specific code should be assigned.
• 3Distribution and pattern: document the symmetric distal ('stocking-glove') pattern, asymmetric involvement, or proximal predominance.
• 4Chronicity: specify whether the condition is acute, subacute, or chronic, and document the timeline of symptom progression.
• 5Electrodiagnostic findings: include nerve conduction study and EMG results that confirm the diagnosis and characterize the neuropathy as axonal, demyelinating, or mixed.
• 6Severity and functional impact: document the degree of sensory loss, motor weakness, gait impairment, and any fall risk associated with the neuropathy.
• 7Laboratory workup results: document relevant lab findings (HbA1c, B12, TSH, SPEP) that either identify or exclude specific etiologies.
• 8Treatment plan: document current neuropathic pain management, physical therapy referrals, and any disease-modifying treatments.

Reimbursement & Billing Notes

ICD-10-CM code G62.9 is a valid, billable code accepted by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers for encounters related to polyneuropathy. However, payers may request additional documentation when the unspecified code is used, particularly if the patient has a known underlying condition such as diabetes that could account for the neuropathy. Using G62.9 when a more specific etiology-linked code is supported by documentation may result in claim denials or audit flags.

Polyneuropathy codes do not directly map to a CMS-HCC risk adjustment category in the standard V28 model. However, the underlying etiology (such as diabetes with neurological complications) does carry HCC weight. For Medicare Advantage and ACO quality programs, accurately linking the neuropathy to its underlying cause ensures appropriate risk adjustment capture. Providers should be queried for etiology specificity at each encounter to support both accurate coding and appropriate reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions