Degeneration of nervous system due to alcohol

This code represents a chronic, progressive neurological disorder characterized by the deterioration of nervous system tissue directly attributable to long-term or excessive alcohol consumption. It encompasses a range of neurological deficits, including but not limited to cerebellar degeneration, peripheral neuropathy, and cognitive impairment, where alcohol is the primary etiological factor.

Use this code when documentation clearly links a patient's neurological degeneration to alcohol abuse or dependence. This diagnosis is supported by a history of chronic alcoholism and objective findings of neurological damage, such as ataxia, tremors, or cognitive decline, in the absence of other primary causes.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "due to alcohol" or "alcoholic" when describing the neurological degeneration.
• Code an additional diagnosis for the specific type of neurological degeneration (e.g., G11.3 for cerebellar ataxia, G62.1 for alcoholic polyneuropathy) as a secondary code.
• Always code an accompanying F10.- code to specify the pattern of alcohol use (e.g., F10.20 for alcohol dependence, uncomplicated).