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ICD-10 Coding for Paralysis(I69.351, G82.21)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Paralysis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

HemiplegiaParaplegiaQuadriplegiamonoplegia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Paralysis

I63-I69Primary Range

Cerebrovascular diseases including sequelae

Includes codes for acute stroke and residual effects such as hemiplegia.

Paralytic syndromes

Covers various forms of paralysis including hemiplegia, paraplegia, and quadriplegia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I69.351Hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction affecting right dominant sideUse for residual right dominant hemiplegia post-cerebral infarction.
  • MRI/CT confirming cerebral infarction
  • Neurological exam documenting right-sided weakness
G82.21Paraplegia, completeUse for complete paraplegia confirmed by imaging.
  • ASIA Impairment Scale rating
  • Spinal imaging confirming injury

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right dominant hemiplegia

Essential facts and insights about Paralysis

The ICD-10 code for right dominant hemiplegia following cerebral infarction is I69.351.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for paralysis

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction affecting right dominant side
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented right-sided weakness linked to past stroke

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'right dominant' in clinical notes

Applicable To

  • Right dominant hemiplegia post-cerebral infarction

Excludes

  • Acute stroke (I63.x)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI/CT confirming cerebral infarction
  • Neurological exam documenting right-sided weakness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Missing causal link to cerebral infarction

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and dominance.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Neurological neglect syndrome

R29.5
Use when neurological neglect is present alongside hemiplegia.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Flaccid hemiplegia, unspecified cause

G81.0
Use G81.0 for non-stroke-related hemiplegia.

Paraplegia, incomplete

G82.22
Use G82.22 for incomplete paraplegia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Paralysis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I69.351.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incomplete patient records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality in clinical notes., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect billing and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laterality is clearly documented as right or left.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting payment., Compliance: Potential audit risk for incorrect coding., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify completeness with clinical and imaging evidence.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates to ensure laterality is always documented.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Paralysis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Paralysis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Paralysis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Stroke-related hemiplegia documentation

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Dominance
  • Causal link to stroke
  • Functional status

Example Documentation

Patient exhibits spastic hemiplegia affecting the right dominant side (I69.351) secondary to left MCA infarction (I63.512) on 03/15/2025.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has leg weakness from old stroke.
Good Documentation Example
Right-sided hemiplegia with spasticity, dominant side affected, due to left MCA infarction (I63.512) on 03/2025.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality, dominance, and causal link, which are missing in the poor example.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Paralysis? Ask your questions below.

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