Paresthesia, clinically represented by the R20.2 diagnosis code in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), refers to an abnormal sensation of the skin. This common yet often perplexing symptom is crucial in medical diagnostics and billing. This article delves into the specifics of the R20.2 code, providing a comprehensive understanding for healthcare professionals and anyone seeking clarity on skin paresthesia.
What is the R20.2 ICD-10-CM Code?
The R20.2 diagnosis code is a billable and specific code within the ICD-10-CM system, used to precisely indicate a diagnosis of paresthesia of the skin for medical billing and reimbursement purposes. Effective since October 1, 2015, and updated annually, with the current version being the 2025 edition effective October 1, 2024, R20.2 ensures accurate medical coding in the United States. It’s important to note that while R20.2 is the American ICD-10-CM standard, international versions of ICD-10 for paresthesia may differ.
Image alt text: R20.2 diagnosis code highlighted within an ICD-10-CM code excerpt, denoting paresthesia of the skin and its medical billing significance.
Symptoms Associated with R20.2 Paresthesia
The R20.2 diagnosis code encompasses a range of sensory disturbances commonly described as:
- Pins and needles: A prickling or tingling sensation, as if tiny needles are gently poking the skin.
- Tingling skin: A mild, often rhythmic, buzzing or vibrating sensation on the skin surface.
- Formication: A sensation resembling insects crawling on or under the skin.
These sensations can occur anywhere on the body, varying in intensity and duration. While often temporary and harmless, persistent or severe paresthesia, indicated by the R20 2 Diagnosis Code, warrants medical investigation to identify underlying causes.
Type 1 Excludes and Annotations for R20.2
In ICD-10-CM coding, “Type 1 Excludes” notes are critical for accurate diagnosis coding. For R20.2 diagnosis code, a Type 1 Excludes note signifies conditions that should never be coded simultaneously with R20.2. This usually applies when two conditions are mutually exclusive, such as congenital versus acquired forms of the same condition. Understanding these exclusions is vital to prevent coding errors.
Furthermore, the R20.2 diagnosis code is associated with annotations that provide additional coding guidance. These annotations, referred to as “back-references,” link R20.2 to other codes that might include:
- Applicable To annotations
- Code Also annotations
- Code First annotations
- Excludes1 and Excludes2 annotations
- Includes annotations
- Note annotations
- Use Additional annotations
These annotations ensure comprehensive and accurate coding when paresthesia is present alongside other conditions.
Synonyms for Paresthesia (R20.2)
To ensure accurate identification and coding using the R20.2 diagnosis code, it’s helpful to recognize the various synonyms and descriptive terms for paresthesia, including:
- Abnormal skin sensitivity
- Altered sensation of skin
- Burning sensation of skin
- Disturbance of skin sensation
- Dysesthesia
- Dysesthesia (abnormal sensation)
- Has tingling sensation
- Hypesthesia
- Hypoesthesia (reduced sensation)
- Left leg paresthesia
- Numbness and tingling of skin
- Numbness and tingling sensation of skin
- Numbness of skin
- Paresthesia
- Paresthesia (numbness/tingling)
- Paresthesia (numbness/tingling) of arm
- Paresthesia (numbness/tingling) of leg
- Paresthesia of left upper limb
- Paresthesia of right upper limb
- Prickling sensation
- Prickling sensation of skin
- Right leg paresthesia
- Sensation of burning of skin
- Sensation of burning or prickling of skin
- Sensory disorder, burning or prickling sensation
- Tingling sensation
Understanding this extensive list of synonyms assists healthcare providers in correctly identifying and coding paresthesia under R20.2 diagnosis code.
R20.2 Code History and Context
The R20.2 diagnosis code was introduced in 2016 (effective October 1, 2015) with the implementation of the non-draft ICD-10-CM. Since its inception, the code definition has remained consistent through the 2025 edition, reflecting the stable and recognized diagnostic criteria for paresthesia of the skin. R20.2 falls under the Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v42.0), further categorizing its clinical and billing relevance. It is also positioned within a range of related ICD-10-CM codes, including those for other disturbances of skin sensation such as anesthesia (R20.0), hypoesthesia (R20.1), and hyperesthesia (R20.3), providing a comprehensive coding framework for sensory skin disorders.
In conclusion, the R20.2 diagnosis code is a vital tool for accurately classifying and billing for paresthesia of the skin. Its specific definition, associated symptoms, and contextual information within the ICD-10-CM system are essential for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and billing specialists.
