Spinal muscular atrophy and related syndromes (G12) ICD-10-CM
The G12 code range covers spinal muscular atrophy and related syndromes with 13 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 11 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Codes in the G12 Range 13 codes · 11 billable
- G12 Spinal muscular atrophy and related syndromesNon-billable
- G12.0 Infantile spinal muscular atrophy, type I [Werdnig-Hoffman]
- G12.1 Other inherited spinal muscular atrophy
- G12.2 Motor neuron diseaseNon-billable
- G12.20 Motor neuron disease, unspecified
- G12.21 Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- G12.22 Progressive bulbar palsy
- G12.23 Primary lateral sclerosis
- G12.24 Familial motor neuron disease
- G12.25 Progressive spinal muscle atrophy
- G12.29 Other motor neuron disease
- G12.8 Other spinal muscular atrophies and related syndromes
- G12.9 Spinal muscular atrophy, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the G12 range.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
A degenerative disorder affecting upper MOTOR NEURONS in the brain and lower motor neurons in the brain stem and SPINAL CORD. Disease onset is usually after the age of 50 and the process is usually fatal within 3 to 6 years. Clinical manifestations include progressive weakness, atrophy, FASCICULATION, hyperreflexia, DYSARTHRIA, dysphagia, and eventual paralysis of respiratory function. Pathologic features include the replacement of motor neurons with fibrous ASTROCYTES and atrophy of anterior SPINAL NERVE ROOTS and corticospinal tracts. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1089-94)
Motor Neuron Disease
Diseases characterized by a selective degeneration of the motor neurons of the spinal cord, brainstem, or motor cortex. Clinical subtypes are distinguished by the major site of degeneration. In AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS there is involvement of upper, lower, and brainstem motor neurons. In progressive muscular atrophy and related syndromes (see MUSCULAR ATROPHY, SPINAL) the motor neurons in the spinal cord are primarily affected. With progressive bulbar palsy (BULBAR PALSY, PROGRESSIVE), the initial degeneration occurs in the brainstem. In primary lateral sclerosis, the cortical neurons are affected in isolation. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1089)
Multiple System Atrophy
A syndrome complex composed of three conditions which represent clinical variants of the same disease process: STRIATONIGRAL DEGENERATION; SHY-DRAGER SYNDROME; and the sporadic form of OLIVOPONTOCEREBELLAR ATROPHIES. Clinical features include autonomic, cerebellar, and basal ganglia dysfunction. Pathologic examination reveals atrophy of the basal ganglia, cerebellum, pons, and medulla, with prominent loss of autonomic neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1076; Baillieres Clin Neurol 1997 Apr;6(1):187-204; Med Clin North Am 1999 Mar;83(2):381-92)
Pseudobulbar Palsy
A syndrome characterized by DYSARTHRIA, dysphagia, dysphonia, impairment of voluntary movements of tongue and facial muscles, and emotional lability. This condition is caused by diseases that affect the motor fibers that travel from the cerebral cortex to the lower BRAIN STEM (i.e., corticobulbar tracts); including MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS; MOTOR NEURON DISEASE; and CEREBROVASCULAR DISORDERS. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p489)
About the G12 Code Range
The ICD-10 code section G12 is used to classify spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and related motor neuron diseases. These codes cover a range of hereditary and progressive neuromuscular disorders affecting motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and wasting.
This section includes specific codes for different types of SMA and motor neuron diseases, such as G12.0 for infantile spinal muscular atrophy type I (Werdnig-Hoffman disease), and G12.1 covering other inherited forms like Kugelberg-Welander disease and distal hereditary motor neuropathies. The code for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an often-fatal degenerative disease, is G12.21. Related disorders such as progressive bulbar palsy (G12.22), primary lateral sclerosis (G12.23), and familial motor neuron disease (G12.24) are also included. These codes help healthcare professionals assign accurate diagnoses for conditions like anterior horn cell disease, progressive muscular atrophy, and other motor neuron syndromes. Unspecified or less common forms fall under codes G12.8 and G12.9. Understanding the synonyms, like Werdnig-Hoffmann disease or Kugelberg-Welander disease, assists in precise coding for spinal muscular atrophy and related syndromes.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the G12 range?
Of the 13 codes in this range, 11 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the G12 range classify?
The range classifies spinal muscular atrophy and related syndromes. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
