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R20.2
ICD-10-CM
Left Arm Numbness

Left arm numbness: Explore causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Find information on related diagnoses like cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and thoracic outlet syndrome. Learn about clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (G54.5, M50.1, G56.0), and medical coding best practices for left arm numbness. Understand potential nerve damage, muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and pain management strategies. Research differential diagnosis considerations, diagnostic testing, and treatment protocols.

Also known as

Left Arm Paresthesia
Left Arm Anesthesia

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Loss of sensation in the left arm, ranging from mild tingling to complete loss of feeling.
  • Clinical Signs : Tingling, pins and needles, weakness, muscle spasms, reduced temperature sensitivity in the left arm.
  • Common Settings : Cervical radiculopathy, stroke, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R20.2 Coding
R20-R29

Symptoms and signs involving skin and subcutaneous tissue

Includes numbness, tingling, and other sensory disturbances of the skin.

G50-G59

Nerve root and plexus disorders

Covers nerve compressions that can cause arm numbness, like cervical radiculopathy.

M50-M54

Dorsalgia

Back pain can sometimes radiate to the arm and cause numbness.

G80-G83

Cerebral palsy and other paralytic syndromes

Certain paralytic syndromes can present with limb numbness as a symptom.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the numbness traumatic in origin?

  • Yes

    Is there a current injury?

  • No

    Is there a known underlying condition?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left arm numbness
Cervical radiculopathy
Thoracic outlet syndrome

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left arm numbness: onset, duration, location
  • Sensory exam: sharp/dull, light touch
  • Motor exam: strength, reflexes
  • Associated symptoms: pain, weakness, tingling
  • Differential diagnosis considerations documented

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough HPI: Document onset, duration, location, character of numbness. ICD-10, CDI
  • Neuro exam: Strength, reflexes, sensation. Rule out stroke, cervical radiculopathy. CPT, CDI
  • Order EKG: Cardiac ischemia can mimic arm numbness. ICD-10, HCC coding, compliance
  • Consider EMG/NCS: Evaluate for peripheral neuropathy. CPT, CDI, medical necessity
  • Image if indicated: Xray, MRI cervical spine for suspected radiculopathy. ICD-10, CPT

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Rule out stroke: Check FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)
  • Assess for cervical radiculopathy: Neck pain, ROM limitations?
  • Peripheral neuropathy: Evaluate for diabetes, B12 deficiency
  • Trauma: Check for recent injury, fractures, dislocations
  • Consider carpal tunnel syndrome: Hand weakness, tingling?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Arm Numbness: ICD-10 coding (R20.8, G51.81, others) impacts reimbursement based on laterality, etiology. Optimize coding for maximum reimbursement.
  • Accurate documentation of Left Arm Numbness symptoms crucial for appropriate E/M coding, impacting RVU assignment and physician reimbursement.
  • Left Arm Numbness diagnosis reporting affects hospital quality metrics for stroke, peripheral neuropathy. Accurate coding improves data integrity.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment of Left Arm Numbness reduce hospital readmissions, positively impacting value-based care reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code arm numbness laterality
  • R/O CVA, nerve root compression
  • Document symptom duration, severity
  • Check EMG/NCS documentation
  • Consider thoracic outlet syndrome

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of left arm numbness.  Onset of numbness is described as (gradual/sudden) and began (duration) ago.  The numbness is localized to the (specific location: e.g., entire arm, hand, fingers, specific dermatome) and characterized as (tingling, pins and needles, burning, aching, or other descriptors).  Patient denies any associated weakness, pain, or other neurological deficits in the left arm.  Medical history includes (list relevant medical conditions: e.g., hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, prior stroke, cervical spondylosis).  Surgical history includes (list relevant surgical procedures).  Current medications include (list all medications including dosage and frequency).  Family history is significant for (list relevant family history, e.g., stroke, cardiovascular disease).  Social history includes (tobacco use, alcohol use, illicit drug use).  Physical examination reveals (normal/abnormal) sensation to light touch and pinprick in the affected area.  Muscle strength and reflexes are (normal/abnormal) in the left arm.  Cervical spine range of motion is (normal/limited/painful).  Differential diagnosis includes cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, brachial plexus injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions.  Initial treatment plan includes (conservative management with physical therapy, medication management, imaging studies such as cervical spine X-ray or MRI, referral to neurology or other specialist).  Patient education provided regarding potential causes of left arm numbness, treatment options, and importance of follow-up care.  Return visit scheduled for (date) to reassess symptoms and discuss further management.  ICD-10 code considerations include (list potential ICD-10 codes based on clinical findings, e.g., R20.8, G54.5, M54.12, G56.01).  CPT code considerations for evaluation and management will be determined based on complexity of medical decision making.