G37.3
BillableAcute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of central nervous system
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 182 — Spinal Cord Disorders/Injuries
0.282V24HCC 72 — Spinal Cord Disorders/Injuries
0.464ESRDHCC 72 — Spinal Cord Disorders/Injuries
0.000RxHCCHCC 155 — Myelitis and Encephalomyelitis
0.000What This Code Means
Sudden inflammation and demyelination of the spinal cord occurring as part of a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
Coding Tips
- •Confirm acute presentation with transverse myelitis symptoms (paralysis, sensory loss, bowel/bladder dysfunction)
- •Document the underlying demyelinating disease (MS, NMO, etc.) if known
Clinical Significance
Acute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of the central nervous system represents sudden inflammation across the width of the spinal cord as part of a demyelinating disease process. It causes rapid-onset paralysis, sensory loss, and bowel/bladder dysfunction below the level of the lesion. Accurate capture is critical as it reflects both the acute severity and the underlying chronic demyelinating condition.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of acute transverse myelitis confirmed by clinical presentation and imaging
- ✓MRI of the spine showing inflammatory lesion extending across the cord
- ✓Documentation linking the myelitis to an underlying demyelinating disease
- ✓Neurological examination documenting level of the lesion and deficits below it
- ✓Timeline of symptom onset (hours to days) confirming acute presentation
- ✓Treatment documentation (high-dose corticosteroids, plasma exchange)
- ✓Assessment for bowel and bladder dysfunction
Excludes 1 — Do NOT code together
Commonly Confused Codes
G37.4 — Subacute necrotizing myelitis; slower onset with necrotizing features rather than acute inflammatoryG04.91 — Myelitis, unspecified; does not specify the demyelinating contextG36.0 — Neuromyelitis optica; may present with transverse myelitis but is a distinct disease entityG95.0 — Syringomyelia and syringobulbia; cavity formation in spinal cord, not inflammatoryG35 — Multiple sclerosis; may cause transverse myelitis but the underlying MS should be coded
Code Hierarchy
└G37Other demyelinating diseases of central nervous system└G37.3Acute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of central nervous system
└G37.3Acute transverse myelitis in demyelinating disease of central nervous system