E13.44

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A type of diabetes (not type 1 or type 2) causing muscle weakness and wasting, typically in the shoulders, hips, or thighs.

Coding Tips

• •Verify the condition is documented as amyotrophy (muscle wasting) rather than other neuropathies
• •Note that this is a specific form of diabetic neuropathy affecting muscle tissue

Clinical Significance

E13.44 captures diabetic amyotrophy in other specified diabetes mellitus, a relatively uncommon but debilitating form of diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic amyotrophy presents with severe, asymmetric proximal lower extremity pain and weakness (often in the thigh), muscle wasting, and weight loss. It is thought to be immune-mediated and may improve with glycemic control.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓The provider must document secondary diabetes and specifically diagnose diabetic amyotrophy (also known as diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy or Bruns-Garland syndrome).
• ✓Clinical findings of proximal muscle weakness, atrophy, and pain with electrodiagnostic confirmation should be documented.

Commonly Confused Codes