Find information on numbness in extremities including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Explore related medical coding (ICD-10 codes), clinical documentation best practices, peripheral neuropathy, paresthesia, diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage, tingling in hands and feet, and loss of sensation. Learn about healthcare provider resources for accurate diagnosis and effective management of extremity numbness.
Also known as
Symptoms and signs involving skin and subcutaneous tissue
Includes numbness, tingling, and other abnormal skin sensations.
Nerve root and plexus disorders
Nerve compressions can cause numbness in the extremities.
Dorsalgia
Back problems can sometimes lead to extremity numbness.
Polyneuropathies and other disorders of the peripheral nervous system
Conditions affecting the peripheral nerves can cause numbness.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the numbness traumatic in origin?
Yes
Is there nerve injury?
No
Is there documented mononeuropathy?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Numbness in extremities |
Peripheral neuropathy |
Carpal tunnel syndrome |
Coding numbness without specifying right, left, or bilateral extremity can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. Affects R02, G54.
Failing to code the underlying cause of numbness (e.g., diabetes, MS) leads to incomplete clinical picture and missed CC/MCC capture. Impacts risk adjustment.
Coding numbness as a symptom when a definitive diagnosis (e.g., peripheral neuropathy) is documented creates coding errors and inaccurate severity scores.
Patient presents with complaints of extremity numbness, encompassing possible paresthesia, tingling, or pins and needles sensations. Onset, duration, location (unilateral vs. bilateral, upper vs. lower extremities, specific dermatomes), and character of the numbness were documented. Associated symptoms such as pain, weakness, muscle cramps, temperature changes, skin discoloration, and trophic changes were explored. Patient history including medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, vitamin B12 deficiency, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spondylosis, and vascular disease was reviewed. Medications, family history, social history including smoking and alcohol use, and occupational exposures were noted. Physical examination included neurological assessment evaluating sensation, reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination. Diagnostic considerations include peripheral neuropathy, nerve compression, radiculopathy, and central nervous system disorders. Differential diagnosis includes complex regional pain syndrome, vasculitis, and metabolic disorders. Preliminary assessment suggests possible (insert provisional diagnosis, e.g., peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes). Plan includes further investigation with (insert planned tests, e.g., nerve conduction studies, electromyography, blood tests) and symptomatic management with (insert treatment plan, e.g., gabapentin, physical therapy). Patient education provided regarding potential causes, management strategies, and follow-up care. Follow-up appointment scheduled in (duration) to review test results and adjust treatment plan as needed. ICD-10 code (insert appropriate code, e.g., R20.2) considered pending further evaluation. Coding for billing purposes will be finalized upon completion of the diagnostic workup.