Agnosia

Agnosia refers to the inability to recognize and interpret sensory information despite intact sensory organs and cognitive function. This neurological deficit typically affects one sensory modality, such as auditory, tactile, or olfactory recognition. It results from damage to specific areas of the brain responsible for processing and integrating sensory input.

Assign this code when documentation indicates a patient presents with a general inability to recognize objects, sounds, or smells, without specifying a visual object agnosia. This code is appropriate for conditions like auditory agnosia (inability to recognize sounds) or tactile agnosia (inability to recognize objects by touch). Supporting documentation should clearly state the type of agnosia and rule out primary sensory deficits or global cognitive impairment.

• Do not use this code if the documentation specifically states "visual object agnosia"; refer to the Excludes1 note.
• Always query the provider for specificity if the documentation only states "agnosia" without further detail, to determine if a more specific code is available.
• Code any underlying neurological condition (e.g., stroke, dementia, brain tumor) as the primary diagnosis, if applicable, with agnosia as a secondary diagnosis.