G37.5
BillableConcentric sclerosis [Balo] 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 rare neurological condition where inflammation and damage to nerve insulation (myelin) occurs in concentric rings in the brain and spinal cord, also known as Balo's disease.
Coding Tips
- •This is a rare demyelinating disease; ensure diagnosis is confirmed by neuroimaging and clinical presentation before coding
- •Do not confuse with other demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis; documentation should specify 'concentric sclerosis' or 'Balo disease'
Clinical Significance
Concentric sclerosis (Balo disease) is a rare demyelinating disease characterized by concentric rings of alternating demyelinated and myelinated tissue on brain imaging. Originally considered a variant of multiple sclerosis, it is now recognized as a distinct entity with characteristic imaging findings. Accurate identification is important for treatment planning and risk adjustment.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation specifically identifying concentric sclerosis or Balo disease
- ✓MRI showing characteristic concentric ring or onion-skin pattern of demyelination
- ✓Neurological examination documenting associated deficits
- ✓Clinical timeline documenting disease course
- ✓Evidence distinguishing from multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating conditions
- ✓Current treatment plan (corticosteroids, immunosuppressants)
Commonly Confused Codes
G35 — Multiple sclerosis; has focal plaques rather than concentric ring patternG37.0 — Diffuse sclerosis of CNS (Schilder disease); diffuse rather than concentric patternG36.9 — Acute disseminated demyelination, unspecified; different imaging and clinical patternG37.9 — Demyelinating disease of CNS, unspecified; too nonspecific when Balo disease is confirmedG37.81 — MOGAD; different antibody-mediated mechanism
Code Hierarchy
└G37Other demyelinating diseases of central nervous system└G37.5Concentric sclerosis [Balo] of central nervous system
└G37.5Concentric sclerosis [Balo] of central nervous system