ICD-10 Coding for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment(G56.21, G56.22, G56.20)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
G56.2Primary Range
Lesion of ulnar nerve
This range includes codes for ulnar nerve entrapment, specifying laterality and site.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| G56.21 | Lesion of ulnar nerve, right upper limb | Use when ulnar nerve entrapment is confirmed on the right side. |
|
| G56.22 | Lesion of ulnar nerve, left upper limb | Use when ulnar nerve entrapment is confirmed on the left side. |
|
| G56.20 | Lesion of ulnar nerve, unspecified upper limb | Use when laterality is not specified. |
|
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 ulnar nerve entrapment
Essential facts and insights about Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ulnar nerve entrapment
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed entrapment at the elbow or wrist with right laterality.
Applicable To
- Cubital tunnel syndrome, right
- Guyon's canal syndrome, right
Excludes
- Lesion of ulnar nerve due to diabetes (E11.42)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sensory deficits in 4th/5th digits
- Electrodiagnostic confirmation with NCV slowing at elbow
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect laterality documentation
- Confusion with median nerve entrapment
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies laterality and site of entrapment.
G56.22 - Lesion of ulnar nerve, left upper limb
Use when ulnar nerve entrapment is confirmed on the left side.
Applicable To
- Cubital tunnel syndrome, left
- Guyon's canal syndrome, left
Excludes
- Lesion of ulnar nerve due to diabetes (E11.42)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sensory deficits in 4th/5th digits
- Electrodiagnostic confirmation with NCV slowing at elbow
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies laterality and site of entrapment.
G56.20 - Lesion of ulnar nerve, unspecified upper limb
Use when laterality is not specified.
Applicable To
- Cubital tunnel syndrome, unspecified
- Guyon's canal syndrome, unspecified
Excludes
- Lesion of ulnar nerve due to diabetes (E11.42)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sensory deficits in 4th/5th digits
- Electrodiagnostic confirmation with NCV slowing
Coding Notes
Avoid using unspecified codes when laterality is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Other specified mononeuropathies
G58.8Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Lesion of median nerve
G56.3Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ulnar Nerve Entrapment to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G56.21.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring objective evidence., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all diagnostic tests are documented in the patient's record, Include test results in the clinical note
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure laterality is documented and use G56.21 or G56.22 accordingly.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may affect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical and billing data.
Mitigation Strategy
Document the specific site of entrapment and use the correct code.
Impact
Failure to document laterality can lead to incorrect coding and billing.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement a checklist for documentation that includes laterality.
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 Ulnar Nerve Entrapment, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial evaluation of suspected ulnar nerve entrapment
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Electrodiagnostic study results
- Diagnosis and treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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