Other disturbances of skin sensation

This code signifies various abnormal or uncomfortable sensations of the skin that are not otherwise specified as anesthesia, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, or hyperesthesia. It encompasses a range of subjective sensory experiences such as crawling, tingling, burning, itching, or prickling, when a more specific diagnosis is not documented.

Use this code when the patient's medical record documents a "disturbance of skin sensation" or similar non-specific sensory complaints, and the provider has not identified a more precise type of sensory alteration. It is appropriate when the documentation indicates abnormal skin sensations that don't fit into the categories of numbness, decreased sensation, pins and needles, or increased sensitivity.

• Avoid using this code if more specific codes for paresthesia (R20.2), hypoesthesia (R20.1), or hyperesthesia (R20.3) are supported by documentation.
• Always query the provider for a more specific diagnosis if the documentation is vague regarding the type of sensory disturbance.
• This code is often a symptom code; consider sequencing it after a definitive diagnosis if one is identified as the underlying cause.