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G81.94
ICD-10-CM
Left Side Hemiparesis

Understanding Left Side Hemiparesis: Find information on diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (I69.3), medical coding guidelines, and rehabilitation strategies. Learn about the causes of left-sided hemiparesis, such as stroke, brain injury, and cerebral palsy. This resource provides essential information for physicians, nurses, therapists, and medical coders dealing with left hemiparesis documentation and patient care.

Also known as

Left Hemiparesis
Left-Sided Weakness

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Weakness on the left side of the body.
  • Clinical Signs : Left-sided arm and leg weakness, facial droop, speech difficulty.
  • Common Settings : Stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC G81.94 Coding
G81

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis

Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.

I60-I69

Cerebrovascular diseases

Conditions affecting blood vessels in the brain, a common cause of hemiparesis.

G00-G99

Diseases of the nervous system

Encompasses various neurological disorders, including hemiparesis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is hemiparesis due to cerebrovascular disease?

  • Yes

    Is it specified as dominant side?

  • No

    Is there a documented cause?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left-sided weakness
Right Hemisphere Stroke
Left Hemiplegia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document laterality: Left-sided weakness
  • Specify onset: Sudden, gradual, or other
  • Detail functional impact: ADLs affected
  • Assess muscle strength: MRC scale grades
  • Identify any associated symptoms: Sensory loss, speech

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (e.g., I69.351) for left hemiparesis crucial for reimbursement.
  • Thorough neuro exam documentation improves CDI, supports medical necessity for rehab.
  • Timely PT/OT referrals optimize functional recovery, minimize long-term disability.
  • Regular reassessment, clear progress notes enhance patient care, ensure compliance.
  • Interdisciplinary communication (MD, RN, therapist) key for optimal hemiparesis management.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm unilateral weakness: Left arm/leg affected?
  • Assess onset: Sudden or gradual? Document time course.
  • Rule out mimics: Evaluate for Bell's palsy, spinal cord injury.
  • Check neurological exam: Strength, reflexes, sensation.
  • Imaging (CT/MRI brain): Identify underlying cause (e.g., stroke).

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Side Hemiparesis reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (I69.3) and supporting documentation for medical necessity.
  • Coding quality impacts hemiparesis case mix index (CMI) and appropriate DRG assignment for optimal hospital reimbursement.
  • Timely and specific documentation of left hemiparesis severity influences payment and reduces claim denials.
  • Accurate hemiparesis coding affects quality reporting metrics like functional improvement and discharge disposition.

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 G81.9 for unspecified hemiparesis
  • Laterality: Code left side weakness
  • Document specifics of left hemiparesis
  • Consider I69.3 after cerebrovascular accident
  • R53.1 if weakness is general

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with left side hemiparesis, characterized by left-sided weakness.  Onset of hemiparesis was noted on [Date of onset], with [gradual/sudden] progression.  Patient reports [Specific functional limitations, e.g., difficulty gripping objects with left hand, dragging left foot while walking, facial droop on left side].  Neurological examination reveals decreased muscle strength in the left upper and lower extremities, graded as [Muscle strength grading, e.g., 4/5 in left arm, 3/5 in left leg].  Deep tendon reflexes are [Increased/decreased/normal] on the left side compared to the right.  Patient exhibits [Positive/negative] Babinski sign on the left.  Sensory examination reveals [Intact/diminished/absent] sensation to light touch and pinprick in the affected limbs.  Differential diagnosis includes cerebrovascular accident (CVA), transient ischemic attack (TIA), brain tumor, and multiple sclerosis.  Initial workup includes [List ordered tests, e.g., CT scan of the brain without contrast, MRI brain with and without contrast, complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), coagulation studies].  Preliminary impression is left-sided hemiparesis likely secondary to [Suspected etiology, e.g., ischemic stroke].  Patient education provided on stroke symptoms, risk factors, and importance of adherence to treatment plan.  Plan to admit patient for further neurological evaluation, including [Planned interventions, e.g., stroke rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy].  Further investigations pending imaging and laboratory results.  ICD-10 code: [Appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., I69.352A].  CPT codes for evaluation and management services will be determined based on complexity of visit.  Follow-up scheduled with neurology in [Timeframe].
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