G40.834
BillableDravet syndrome, intractable, without status epilepticus
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 201 — Seizure Disorders and Convulsions
0.262V24HCC 79 — Seizure Disorders and Convulsions
0.244ESRDHCC 79 — Seizure Disorders and Convulsions
0.000RxHCCHCC 163 — Seizure Disorders, Intractable Epilepsy
0.000What This Code Means
Dravet syndrome (a severe genetic epilepsy starting in infancy) that does not respond well to medication, not currently in a prolonged seizure state.
Coding Tips
- •Ensure genetic confirmation or clinical diagnosis of Dravet syndrome is documented in the record
- •Document the intractable nature with evidence of failed anti-seizure medication trials
Clinical Significance
Dravet syndrome, intractable, without status epilepticus captures the chronic management phase of this severe genetic epilepsy. Dravet syndrome is almost always intractable, making this the most common Dravet code. These patients require complex multi-drug regimens avoiding sodium channel blockers, and face ongoing risks of SUDEP, cognitive decline, and gait deterioration throughout life.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Confirmed Dravet syndrome diagnosis (SCN1A mutation or clinical criteria)
- ✓Documentation of intractability
- ✓Absence of status epilepticus at the encounter
- ✓Current medication regimen avoiding contraindicated sodium channel blockers
- ✓Seizure diary or frequency documentation
- ✓Developmental and cognitive assessments
- ✓SUDEP risk discussion and seizure safety plan
Commonly Confused Codes
G40.833 — Dravet, intractable, WITH status epilepticusG40.814 — Lennox-Gastaut, intractable; different epileptic encephalopathyG40.804 — Other epilepsy, intractable; use when Dravet is not confirmedG40.824 — Epileptic spasms, intractable; different seizure typeG40.419 — Other generalized epilepsy, intractable; less specific
Code Hierarchy
└G40Epilepsy and recurrent seizures└G40.8Other epilepsy and recurrent seizures└G40.83Dravet syndrome└G40.834Dravet syndrome, intractable, without status epilepticus
└G40.834Dravet syndrome, intractable, without status epilepticus