ICD-10 Code G40.A1 – Absence Epileptic Syndrome, Intractable (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G40.A1 – Absence epileptic syndrome, intractable
What it is
This code identifies an absence epilepsy syndrome that is not adequately controlled by treatment. It refers to recurrent absence seizures as part of a recognized epileptic syndrome.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include brief staring spells, impaired awareness, and sudden interruption of activity. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for syndrome type and intractability.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents absence epileptic syndrome and states that it is intractable, refractory, or poorly controlled. You may also use it when the record clearly supports ongoing absence seizures despite appropriate management. Check documentation if the syndrome label is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a single absence seizure without a syndrome diagnosis. Also avoid it when the chart describes controlled epilepsy, another seizure type, or when intractability is not documented.
Coding tip
Code the syndrome only when both the absence epilepsy diagnosis and intractability are explicitly documented.