ICD-10 Code G61.81 – Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G61.81 – Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis
What it is
G61.81 identifies chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis, an immune-mediated disorder that damages peripheral nerve myelin. It is used when documentation shows a chronic, acquired demyelinating neuropathy.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include progressive or relapsing weakness, sensory loss, and reduced or absent reflexes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the specific pattern, duration, and neurologic examination findings.
When to use this code
Use G61.81 when the provider documents chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuritis, CIDP, or an equivalent chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy. Code it for confirmed diagnoses in outpatient or inpatient records when the condition is the reason for evaluation or ongoing management.
Choose this code when the record distinguishes the disorder from acute inflammatory neuropathies or other non-demyelinating neuropathies. If the wording is unclear, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or unspecified peripheral neuropathy. If the record does not support chronic demyelinating disease, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify that the provider explicitly links the neuropathy to a chronic inflammatory demyelinating process before coding G61.81.