Absence epileptic syndrome, intractable, w/o stat epi

This code signifies a specific type of epilepsy characterized by absence seizures that are difficult to control with treatment. It indicates that the patient is experiencing ongoing, frequent, or severe absence seizures despite therapeutic interventions, but is not currently in a state of continuous seizure activity (status epilepticus).

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of absence epileptic syndrome that is intractable or refractory to treatment. Supporting documentation should detail the failure of multiple antiepileptic drug regimens or other therapies to achieve seizure control, without evidence of current status epilepticus.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "intractable" or "refractory" for absence seizures.
• Do not use this code if the patient is in absence status epilepticus; a different code would be required.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a co-morbidity impacting care.