Code: G30.0
Description: Alzheimer’s disease with early onset
Context: This code is used for cases where a patient is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, specifically characterized as having an early onset, typically before the age of 65.
Guidelines for Proper Use
- Specific Diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s: Use G30.0 for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease where symptoms begin before the age of 65. Early onset Alzheimer’s is often more aggressive and progresses more rapidly than late-onset.
- Accurate Documentation: Ensure that the healthcare provider’s documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease with early onset. The diagnosis should be based on clinical assessment, including cognitive testing and, if available, neuroimaging and biomarkers.
- Exclusion of Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: Do not use G30.0 for Alzheimer’s disease that begins at age 65 or older, which is classified differently in the ICD-10.
- Differentiating from Other Dementias: Carefully distinguish early onset Alzheimer’s disease from other forms of dementia that can occur in younger patients, such as vascular dementia or frontotemporal dementia.
- Compliance with Diagnostic Criteria: Utilize G30.0 in accordance with established diagnostic criteria and adhere to coding standards, including payer-specific requirements.
Common Misuses of G30.0
- Use for Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: Misuse occurs when G30.0 is used for patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease that begins at age 65 or later, which has a different ICD-10 code.
- Confusion with Other Types of Dementia: Avoid using G30.0 for other dementia types, even if they have an early onset, as they have distinct clinical features and ICD-10 codes.
- Application to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Do not use G30.0 for cases of MCI, which may or may not progress to Alzheimer’s disease and requires a different coding approach.