Systemic sclerosis with polyneuropathy

This code signifies a systemic autoimmune connective tissue disease, specifically systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), that is complicated by the presence of polyneuropathy. Systemic sclerosis involves widespread fibrosis and vascular abnormalities, and in this context, it has led to damage or dysfunction of multiple peripheral nerves.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis and a co-occurring polyneuropathy. This typically involves findings such as nerve conduction study abnormalities, electromyography results, or clinical signs and symptoms consistent with peripheral nerve involvement in a patient with confirmed systemic sclerosis.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the polyneuropathy to the systemic sclerosis; otherwise, code the conditions separately.
• Do not use this code for mononeuropathy or other specific neurological complications not classified as polyneuropathy.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a co-morbidity impacting care.