


G47.429 – Narcolepsy in conditions classified elsewhere, without cataplexyĬPT Codes for Narcolepsy Diagnostic Testing.G47.421 – Narcolepsy in conditions classified elsewhere, with cataplexy.G47.42 – Narcolepsy in conditions classified elsewhere G47.419 – Narcolepsy and cataplexy, without cataplexy.G47.411 – Narcolepsy and cataplexy, with cataplexy.Incorporating lifestyle adjustments such avoiding the intake of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, regulating sleep schedules, establishing a normal exercise pattern and meal schedule and scheduling short naps (10-15 minutes in length) at regular intervals during the day may help reduce symptoms in the long-run.Īllergy and sleep medicine medical coding involves using the specific ICD-10 diagnosis codes, CPT codes and HCPCS codes for reporting narcolepsy on the medical claims providers submit to health insurers for reimbursement. Medications include – Stimulants (like Modafinil (Provigil) or Armodafinil (Nuvigil), Amphetamine-like stimulants, Methylphenidate (Aptensio XR, Concerta, and Ritalin), Sodium oxybate and other antidepressant drugs. Several diagnostics tests like – Polysomnography (PSG) and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) may be conducted to diagnose narcolepsy and determine its level of severity.Īlthough there is no cure for this sleep condition, the symptoms (EDS and symptoms of abnormal REM sleep, such as cataplexy) can be controlled in most people with drug treatment. Patients may be asked to maintain a sleep journal noting the times of sleep and symptoms over a one- to two-week period. Physicians may make a preliminary diagnosis of this condition by recording patient’s level of excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy). The most typical symptoms are – excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, hallucinations, fragmented sleep and insomnia, automatic behaviors, memory problems, headache and depression.ĭiagnosing and Treating Chronic Sleep Disorderĭiagnosis of narcolepsy begins with a detailed clinical examination and review of the medical history of patients. The signs and symptoms may worsen for the first few years and then continue for life. The symptoms may partially improve over time, but they will never disappear completely. Several other factors that cause this chronic sleep condition include – inherited genetic fault, autoimmune disorders, brain injuries and age and family history of the patient.Įven though narcolepsy is a lifelong problem, it does not worsen as the person ages. Nearly all people with narcolepsy who have cataplexy have extremely low levels of the naturally occurring chemical hypocretin, which promotes wakefulness and regulates REM sleep by the brain. Researchers suggest that the condition may occur due to a combination of multiple factors that lead to neurological dysfunction and REM sleep disturbances.

The exact cause of narcolepsy is unknown. Typical Causes and Symptoms of Narcolepsy It is estimated that up to 50% of patients with Narcolepsy may be undiagnosed. In many cases, narcolepsy remains undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated. The typical onset of this condition is between the ages of 15 and 25, but can also become apparent at early childhood. Reports from WUN (Wake up Narcolepsy – a non-profit organization that seeks to raise awareness about narcolepsy) suggest that narcolepsy affects about 1 in every 2,000 Americans and 3 million people worldwide. Narcolepsy affects both males and females equally. Reliable medical billing and coding companies can help physicians report this chronic sleep disorder correctly on their medical claims and obtain optimal reimbursement. Medical coding for narcolepsy sleep disorder is quite challenging, as there are several rules related to reporting the procedure accurately. There is no specific cure for narcolepsy however, medications and behavioral lifestyle treatments or changes can help manage symptoms effectively. In most cases, people suffering from narcolepsy find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time, regardless of the circumstances, which can in turn cause serious disruptions in their daily routine. Narcolepsy that occurs without cataplexy is known as Type 2 narcolepsy. Narcolepsy that occurs with cataplexy is called Type 1 narcolepsy. It is characterized by excessive sleepiness, sleep paralysis, overwhelming daytime drowsiness, hallucinations, and in some cases episodes of cataplexy (partial or total loss of muscle control, often triggered by a strong emotion such as laughter). This chronic sleep disorder causes a person to suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times. Narcolepsy is a long-term neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles.
