CDI Query: ICANS Documentation & Coding Tip
November 24, 2025
CDI Query: ICANS Documentation & Coding Tip
Immune Effector Cell–Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) is a critical condition encountered in patients receiving CAR T‑cell or BiTE therapy. Accurate CDI physician queries ensure correct grading, ICD‑10‑CM assignment, and high‑quality documentation.
What is ICANS?
ICANS is a neurotoxicity syndrome triggered by immunotherapies including CAR T‑cell and BiTE therapies. It affects 20–60% of CAR T‑cell therapy recipients and is driven by cytokine‑mediated inflammation.
When CDI Should Query for ICANS
CDI teams should initiate a cdi query when documentation shows neurological changes after immunotherapy, especially in patients with CRS, high tumor burden, or preexisting neurological conditions.
Clinical Indicators Supporting ICANS
Common indicators requiring clarification:
• Confusion, somnolence, bradyphrenia
• Seizures (clinical or EEG-confirmed)
• Motor weakness or cranial nerve palsies
• Cerebral edema or increased ICP
• Posturing or papilledema
ICANS Grading (ICE Score) for CDI Queries
ICANS is graded using the Immune Effector Cell–Associated Encephalopathy (ICE) score:

ICD‑10‑CM Coding for ICANS
ICANS is coded using subcategory **G92.0‑ Immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome**: Follow these guidelines for accurate code assignment and accurate reimbursement.

Underlying cause must be reported first per ICD‑10 guidelines.
Key CDI Guidance
Queries should ensure documentation includes:
• Timeline linking symptoms to immunotherapy
• ICE score and grade
• Neurological findings
• Presence of CRS or other risk factors
• Treatment details (steroids, anti‑seizure meds, ICU care)
Resources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. CMS; 2025.
- Dietrich J, Frigault MJ. Immune Effector Cell–Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) and Other Neurologic Toxicities of CAR-T Cell and Related Therapies. UpToDate; 2025.
- Prescott L, Manz J. The ACDIS CDI Pocket Guide – Inpatient. ACDIS; 2025.













