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G82.22
ICD-10-CM
Paraparesis

Understanding paraparesis: Explore information on diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding for paraparesis. Find resources for healthcare professionals, including ICD-10 codes, symptoms, treatment, and differential diagnosis of paraparesis. Learn about lower extremity weakness, spastic paraparesis, and flaccid paraparesis, along with relevant medical terminology and documentation guidelines for accurate clinical records.

Also known as

Partial paralysis of lower limbs
Lower limb weakness

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Partial weakness of both legs.
  • Clinical Signs : Leg weakness, stiffness, impaired gait, reduced sensation.
  • Common Settings : Spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC G82.22 Coding
G82

Paraparesis and paraplegia

Weakness or paralysis affecting the lower limbs.

G81

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis

Weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body.

G70-G73

Diseases of myoneural junction

Conditions affecting nerve-muscle communication, sometimes causing paraparesis.

M45-M49

Spondylosis

Degenerative spine changes that can compress nerves and lead to paraparesis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the paraparesis due to a known cause?

  • Yes

    Is it due to a spinal cord injury?

  • No

    Is it hereditary spastic paraparesis?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Partial paralysis of lower limbs.
Paraplegia
Monoplegia, lower limb

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Paraparesis ICD-10 code (e.g., G82.1)
  • Severity (mild, moderate, severe)
  • Muscle strength assessment (e.g., MRC scale)
  • Impact on function (e.g., mobility, ADLs)
  • Etiology/cause of paraparesis (if known)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Incomplete Documentation

    Insufficient documentation to specify the type or etiology of paraparesis leading to inaccurate code assignment.

  • Specificity of Coding

    Coding paraparesis without proper laterality (right, left, or bilateral) or level (upper or lower) impacting reimbursement.

  • Underlying Cause Coding

    Failure to code the underlying condition causing paraparesis like spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis affects data accuracy.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Thorough neuro exam & accurate ICD-10 coding (G82.2)
  • Document paraparesis severity, onset, etiology for CDI
  • Timely PT/OT referrals, compliant HCPCS coding
  • Medication reconciliation, clear documentation of benefits/risks
  • Regular monitoring, updated progress notes for compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm weakness in both legs: document severity and onset.
  • Assess for sensory deficits: differentiate between paraparesis and paraplegia.
  • Review spinal imaging: rule out cord compression (ICD-10 G95.2).
  • Evaluate for other causes: B12 deficiency, MS (ICD-10 G35)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Paraparesis reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (G82.1-G82.3) impacting DRG assignment and payment.
  • Coding quality affects Case Mix Index (CMI) accuracy, impacting hospital reimbursement and quality reporting.
  • Physician documentation specificity for paraparesis etiology is crucial for proper coding and optimal reimbursement.
  • Accurate paraparesis coding impacts hospital quality metrics related to patient safety, readmissions, and resource utilization.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code specific paraparesis type
  • Document weakness severity
  • Verify laterality: right, left, both
  • Check for underlying cause code
  • Consider G82.2 for incomplete paraplegia

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with paraparesis, exhibiting weakness in both lower extremities.  Onset of paraparesis was [gradual/sudden] and began [duration] ago.  The patient reports [specific symptoms such as difficulty walking, leg stiffness, muscle spasms, sensory disturbances, bowel or bladder dysfunction].  Neurological examination reveals [detailed findings, including muscle strength grading using Medical Research Council scale, presence of spasticity, hyperreflexia, clonus, sensory deficits, and assessment of gait and balance].  Differential diagnosis includes spinal cord compression, multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and herniated disc.  Initial diagnostic workup may include spinal MRI, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies to determine the etiology of the paraparesis.  Patient education provided on paraparesis causes, symptoms, and potential treatment options.  Treatment plan may involve physical therapy for gait training and strengthening, occupational therapy to address activities of daily living, medications to manage spasticity or pain, and referral to specialists such as neurologists, neurosurgeons, or physiatrists as indicated.  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to reassess the patient's condition and adjust the treatment plan as needed.  ICD-10 code [appropriate code based on etiology, e.g., G82.20 for unspecified paraplegia].
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