G37.0
BillableDiffuse sclerosis of central nervous system
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 198 — Multiple Sclerosis
0.000V24HCC 77 — Multiple Sclerosis
0.476ESRDHCC 77 — Multiple Sclerosis
0.000RxHCCHCC 159 — Multiple Sclerosis
0.000What This Code Means
A progressive disease affecting the brain and spinal cord where the protective coating of nerve fibers gradually deteriorates across widespread areas.
Coding Tips
- •Distinguish from multiple sclerosis by confirming diffuse rather than focal demyelination pattern
- •Document imaging findings showing widespread CNS involvement
Clinical Significance
Diffuse sclerosis of the central nervous system represents a progressive demyelinating condition affecting widespread areas of the brain and spinal cord. Unlike multiple sclerosis which typically has focal plaques, diffuse sclerosis involves large confluent areas of demyelination. Accurate identification differentiates this from other demyelinating conditions and ensures appropriate risk adjustment.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation specifically identifying diffuse sclerosis of the CNS (also known as Schilder disease)
- ✓Neuroimaging (MRI) showing large, symmetric, bilateral areas of white matter demyelination
- ✓Distinction from multiple sclerosis documented (diffuse vs. focal pattern)
- ✓Neurological examination findings documenting progressive deficits
- ✓Biopsy results if available confirming the pathological pattern
- ✓Current treatment plan and specialist involvement
Excludes 1 — Do NOT code together
- X linked adrenoleukodystrophy (E71.52-)
Commonly Confused Codes
G35 — Multiple sclerosis; has focal plaques rather than diffuse demyelination patternG37.5 — Concentric sclerosis (Balo); has characteristic concentric ring pattern on imagingG37.9 — Demyelinating disease of CNS, unspecified; too nonspecific when diffuse sclerosis is documentedG31.80 — Leukodystrophy, unspecified; inherited white matter disease vs. acquired diffuse sclerosisG36.9 — Acute disseminated demyelination; acute presentation rather than progressive diffuse pattern
Code Hierarchy
└G37Other demyelinating diseases of central nervous system└G37.0Diffuse sclerosis of central nervous system
└G37.0Diffuse sclerosis of central nervous system