CPM: THE STATISTICS

So after months of trying to find out the answers to this question, I have found a beginning answer. Now, here’s the thing. This is the diagnosis code for CPM, but it doesn’t include a diagnosis code for those who develop EPM only…at least I don’t believe it does. But, it’s a start. 🙂

First the ICD-9 diagnosis code for CPM is

• 2012 ICD-9-CM 341.8 Other demyelinating diseases of central nervous system

The way I found this is through my friend Jeffery Amitin. He left it in a message he posted in 2008. The ICD-10 code is G37.2:

2012 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G37.2

Central pontine myelinolysis

• G37.2 is a billable ICD-10-CM code that can be used to specify a diagnosis.
• On October 1, 2013 ICD-10-CM will replace ICD-9-CM in the United States, therefore, G37.2 and all ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes should only be used for training or planning purposes until then.

Mortality Data

• Between 1999-2007 there were 209 deaths in the United States where ICD-10 G37.2 was indicated as the underlying cause of death 
• ICD-10 G37.2 as underlying cause of death data broken down by: gender, age, race, year

ICD-10-CM G37.2 is part of Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v28.0):

• 058 Multiple sclerosis & cerebellar ataxia with mcc
• 059 Multiple sclerosis & cerebellar ataxia with cc
• 060 Multiple sclerosis & cerebellar ataxia without cc/mcc

Convert ICD-10-CM G37.2 to ICD-9-CM

The following ICD-10-CM Index entries contain back-references to ICD-10-CM G37.2:

• Myelinolysis, pontine, central G37.2

Now, the above information states that the number of deaths related to CPM from 1999 to 2007 were 209 deaths. Now, I believe this is an EXTREMELY low number because it is believed that at least a 1/3 of patients who develop CPM die. The following information for 2010 ALONE, makes me doubt that the number of deaths related to CPM over an 8 year period is only 209.

2010 National statistics – principal diagnosis only

The above information states that there were 524 DISCHARGES related to CPM…that doesn’t include the number of those who died from CPM.

The other interesting finding in the statistics above is that there WERE NOT ANY DEATHS related to CPM. Now, I really believe that’s not possible at all. Obviously, there’s information that is missing. 😦

Now this makes a little more sense. If you list the number of diagnosis of CPM that is diagnosed in combination with another disorder/disease, then the number of those who impacted jumps dramatically:

The following chart is the number of those who have been diagnosed with CPM over the past 18 years. Considering that the number of cases of hyponatremia have increased over the past 10 years, it is a bit unusual not to see the same type of increase in the number of cases of CPM. Again, I have to wonder if the data reported on CPM, due to the nature that it is usually caused by malpractice, is in accurate. I will continue to try to find out information as it becomes available.

HCUPnet provides trend information for the 18 year period: 1993-2010

Keep in mind, that the above information is the number of people DISCHARGED. This is not a record of the number of deaths related to CPM.

Please use the following website to find out more information regarding CPM. You have to do research on all hospitals in the nation and use the ICD code 341.8 to locate these charts.

Also, please feel free to contact me with any questions.