Postherpetic polyneuropathy

This code describes a neurological complication characterized by widespread nerve damage (polyneuropathy) that persists or develops after a herpes zoster (shingles) infection. It indicates a chronic, often painful, condition affecting multiple peripheral nerves, distinct from localized postherpetic neuralgia.

Use this code when documentation specifies polyneuropathy as a sequela of a previous herpes zoster infection. This typically applies to patients experiencing persistent or new onset diffuse neurological symptoms, such as widespread numbness, weakness, or pain, in areas beyond the original dermatome(s) affected by shingles.

• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes polyneuropathy from localized postherpetic neuralgia (G53.0, G54.0).
• Code first the underlying herpes zoster infection (B02.-) if it is still active and relevant to the current encounter.
• Verify that the polyneuropathy is explicitly linked to the prior herpes zoster infection by the provider.