What does ICD-10 code G40.A mean?

ICD-10 code G40.A is the standardized code used for absence epileptic syndrome in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code G40.A used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code G40.A when recording absence epileptic syndrome in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code G40.A confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code G40.A: Absence epileptic syndrome

Name: ICD-10 Code G40.A: Absence epileptic syndrome
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:06:54.332Z

G40.A is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Absence epileptic syndrome. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents absence epileptic syndrome in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

6Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99)

block

G40-G47Episodic and paroxysmal disorders

Official coding notes

Inclusion terms

Childhood absence epilepsy [pyknolepsy]
Juvenile absence epilepsy
Absence epileptic syndrome, NOS

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

NeurologistGeneral Physician

Sibling codes

G40.0Localization-related (focal) (partial) idiopathic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with seizures of localized onset G40.1Localization-related (focal) (partial) symptomatic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with simple partial seizures G40.2Localization-related (focal) (partial) symptomatic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes with complex partial seizures G40.3Generalized idiopathic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes G40.BJuvenile myoclonic epilepsy [impulsive petit mal]G40.CLafora progressive myoclonus epilepsy G40.4Other generalized epilepsy and epileptic syndromes G40.5Epileptic seizures related to external causes G40.8Other epilepsy and recurrent seizures G40.9Epilepsy, unspecified

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Absence epileptic syndrome

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.