Neuralgia, neuritis, and radiculitis, unspecified

This code represents a general diagnosis of nerve pain, inflammation, or irritation of a nerve root without further specification of the affected nerve or underlying cause. It indicates symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness stemming from nerve involvement. This diagnosis is typically used when the precise etiology or anatomical location of the nerve disorder is not yet determined.

Use this code when documentation indicates a diagnosis of "neuralgia," "neuritis," or "radiculitis" but lacks specificity regarding the nerve involved (e.g., trigeminal, sciatic) or the underlying cause (e.g., compression, infection). This code is appropriate for initial encounters or when a more definitive diagnosis cannot be established from the available clinical information.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific ICD-9-CM code for the type or location of neuralgia, neuritis, or radiculitis is available and supported by documentation.
• Query the provider for additional details if documentation simply states "nerve pain" or "nerve inflammation" to determine if a more precise diagnosis can be assigned.
• This code is a "catch-all" for unspecified nerve conditions and should be used sparingly as documentation improves or a definitive diagnosis is made.