ICD-10 Code G12.22 – Progressive bulbar palsy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G12.22 – Progressive bulbar palsy
What it is
Progressive bulbar palsy is a motor neuron disorder that affects the muscles used for speaking, swallowing, and chewing. It reflects progressive weakness from involvement of bulbar motor pathways.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include dysarthria, dysphagia, tongue weakness or atrophy, and impaired gag or palatal movement. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use G12.22 when the provider documents progressive bulbar palsy as the confirmed diagnosis. Code it for encounters focused on bulbar motor neuron disease, especially when speech and swallowing impairment are the main documented problems.
If the record only says weakness, dysphagia, or dysarthria without this diagnosis, do not assume G12.22. Check documentation for the specific neurologic diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for isolated speech or swallowing symptoms, or for other neurologic conditions with similar features. Check documentation if the chart instead identifies another motor neuron disease.
Coding tip
Assign G12.22 only when the clinician documents progressive bulbar palsy explicitly; symptom codes alone are not enough.