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If you have any sort of health issues, you’ve probably seen the phrase, ICD-10, more than once. And I bet you have wondered, what is ICD-10?
ICD, which is the acronym for the International Classification of Diseases, is a global health information standard for morbidity and mortality statistics. Its applications in clinical research to study patterns of diseases and define them is continuously increasing. It is also widely used to manage health care, monitor results, and allocate resources.
The coding system is used by more than 100 countries to report mortality data. This data is a primary and major indicator of health status in a specific location. The system allows the monitoring of disease and death rates all around the world. ICD has been translated into 43 different languages to be used internationally. Interesting, huh?
What is ICD-10?
The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition, also widely known as ICD-10 is the tenth version of the clinical cataloging system that first went into effect in the fall of 2015 for the U.S. health industry.
As medical devices and clinical treatments continuously advance, accounting for those modern advances must happen simultaneously. ICD-10 codes offer a huge number of classification options as compared to the options found in its predecessor edition, ICD-9. Every year, ICD codes are owned, developed, and published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the national governments and other regulating bodies adopt the ICD system. Every year, minor updates are published by the WHO and major updates are implemented every 3 years.
So, that’s the background. Let’s dig into the ICD-10 code for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and ICD-10
The ICD-10 code for diabetic neuropathy is E10.40. It is a specific/billable ICD-10 CM code. E10.40 can indicate a diagnosis for Type 1 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy for reimbursement purposes. When we talk about the ICD-10 code for diabetic neuropathy, we specifically speak of only the American ICD-10 CM version of E10.40. International versions of the same code may differ.
To diagnose diabetic neuropathy, doctors usually perform a physical exam and review your medical history and symptoms carefully. Most likely, your doctor will see your sensitivity to vibration and touch, check your tendon reflexes and also the overall strength and tone of your muscles.
Along with the mentioned exams, your doctor may also perform tests like the filament test, nerve conduction studies, autonomic testing, quantitative sensory testing, and electromyography. If you are diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, you are likely concerned about the pain associated with the condition. Keep reading for some steps to follow to relieve yourself from pain.
Next Steps If You Are Diagnosed with Diabetic Neuropathy
Although a cure for diabetic neuropathy hasn’t been discovered, you can manage the pain effectively through various methods.
Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels
If you want to prevent or delay nerve damage, the best way to do so is by keeping your blood sugar levels within the moderate and target range. Your doctor can help in setting the best range depending on various factors such as your overall health, your age and the severity of your diabetes.
Say Good-Bye to Cigarettes
If you start or continue using tobacco after you are diagnosed with diabetes, your chances of getting a heart attack or stroke are much higher than that of nonsmokers. It is also more than likely that you’ll develop blood-circulation problems in your feet. If you are a heavy smoker, consult your doctor to learn ways to quit.
Start Exercising
Contrary to what many people believe, exercising can immensely help neuropathic individuals. Following are some exercises that you can perform after consulting your doctor.
- Low-impact aerobic (cardio) exercises
- Balance training: Calf raises, side leg raises
- Stretching exercises: seated hamstring stretch, calf stretch
- Ulnar neuropathy exercises: neck rotations, shoulder blade squeezing, neck stretches, extending and flexing your elbow
Make Healthy Food Choices
Eating healthy isn’t a compulsion; it is more of a necessity. Focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes various healthy foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Also try to limit your portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight. These are two pieces of good advice for everyone, but especially after you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Take Supplements
Pain-relieving home remedies may include:
- Take turmeric supplements that contain curcumin which is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and analgesic properties, and provide relief for nerve pain. You can also consume fresh or powdered turmeric with your tea, smoothies, and curries.
- Take vitamin B-6, B-1, and B-12 supplements as many diabetics seem to be low on these nutrients and their lack can worsen nerve damage.
Support Groups for Individuals with Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy support groups can be beneficial for patients in many ways. They may give you more hope through information and community support. They provide a safe platform for you to talk about what you feel and provide various ways for you to work through your problems. Lastly, joining a support group can help you cope with your pain in a better manner. Following are some great diabetic neuropathy support groups on Facebook:
Diabetic Foot Pain Troopers
This is our blog’s own Facebook group. We keep it real and focus on positive support. Join us!
Neuropathy Support Group
This is a closed support group for individuals who suffer from restless legs and nerve issues.
Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group
Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group is for individuals who are there to support each other through this extremely painful and difficult condition.
Peripheral Neuropathy Success Stories!
Peripheral Neuropathy Success Stories! is a group created to help inspire and uplift other members going through similar challenging situations. Members post positive stories about what they do to have fun and stay productive despite the limitations.
Knowledge is power, friends! Keep learning with us here at Aid Foot Pain.
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