Complex regional pain syndrome I of upper limb, bilateral

This code signifies a chronic pain condition affecting both upper limbs, characterized by severe, persistent pain, swelling, changes in skin temperature/color, and limited range of motion, without evidence of nerve damage. It typically develops after an injury, surgery, stroke, or heart attack, but can also occur spontaneously.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I (CRPS-I) affecting both the right and left upper extremities. This diagnosis is often supported by clinical findings consistent with the Budapest criteria, such as allodynia, hyperalgesia, edema, sudomotor abnormalities, and trophic changes.

• Ensure documentation specifies "Type I" (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) and bilateral involvement of the upper limbs.
• Distinguish from CRPS Type II (causalgia), which involves confirmed nerve injury and is coded differently.
• Do not use if only one upper limb is affected; specific codes exist for unilateral involvement.