Disturbances of skin sensation (R20)

Browse all the diagnosis codes used for disturbances of skin sensation (r20). For easy navigation, the diagnosis codes are sorted in alphabetical order and grouped by sections. Each section is clearly marked with its description, and the corresponding three-digit code range. This format makes it simple to browse diagnosis codes in this chapter or section and find what you're looking for. We've also added green checkmark icons to label billable codes, and red warning icons for non-billable ones. This makes it easy to identify which codes can be billed.

Clinical Information

Hyperacusis - An abnormally disproportionate increase in the sensation of loudness in response to auditory stimuli of normal volume. COCHLEAR DISEASES; VESTIBULOCOCHLEAR NERVE DISEASES; FACIAL NERVE DISEASES; STAPES SURGERY; and other disorders may be associated with this condition.

Hyperalgesia - An increased sensation of pain or discomfort produced by minimally noxious stimuli due to damage to soft tissue containing NOCICEPTORS or injury to a peripheral nerve.

Hyperesthesia - Increased sensitivity to cutaneous stimulation due to a diminished threshold or an increased response to stimuli.

Nociceptors - Peripheral AFFERENT NEURONS which are sensitive to injuries or pain, usually caused by extreme thermal exposures, mechanical forces, or other noxious stimuli. Their cell bodies reside in the DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA. Their peripheral terminals (NERVE ENDINGS) innervate target tissues and transduce noxious stimuli via axons to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Paresthesia - Subjective cutaneous sensations (e.g., cold, warmth, tingling, pressure, etc.) that are experienced spontaneously in the absence of stimulation.

Synesthesia - The experience of involuntary sensory cross activation where the presentation of a particular stimulus elicits a secondary sensory-perceptual experience. It most commonly occurs in the association of color with linguistic stimuli such as letters, numbers, words, or music, but can also occur between other senses. Although synesthesia can be acquired or transient due to trauma or drug use, there is also a strong genetic component, with a prevalence of about 1 in 2,000 individuals and a female to male ratio of 6:1.

Instructional Notations

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

• dissociative anesthesia and sensory loss F44.6
• psychogenic disturbances F45.8