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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG56.23

G56.23

Billable

Lesion of ulnar nerve, bilateral upper limbs

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 G56.23 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lesion of ulnar nerve, bilateral upper limbs.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The lesion of the ulnar nerve, particularly when bilateral, can manifest as a result of various conditions such as compression, trauma, or systemic diseases. The ulnar nerve is responsible for motor and sensory functions in the hand, particularly affecting the ring and little fingers. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the affected areas. Bilateral lesions can complicate the clinical picture, often leading to difficulties in daily activities and impacting quality of life. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography to assess the extent of nerve damage and function. Treatment may include conservative management such as splinting, physical therapy, or surgical intervention in severe cases. Understanding the underlying causes and the specific presentation of symptoms is crucial for effective management and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Bilateral involvement complicates documentation and coding.
  • Differentiation from other neuropathies requires detailed clinical information.
  • Potential for co-existing conditions that may affect coding.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and diagnostic tests.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral symptoms.
  • Failure to document the results of nerve conduction studies.
  • Misclassification of the condition as unilateral.
  • Lack of clarity on the cause of the nerve lesion.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, results of nerve conduction studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with numbness and weakness in the hands, particularly after repetitive activities or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the bilateral nature of the condition and any associated symptoms.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes if intervention is performed, imaging studies, and pre-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical decompression of the ulnar nerve due to entrapment.

Billing Considerations

Document any prior conservative treatments attempted before surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G56.23 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of bilateral involvement and the specific nature of the lesion
  • Include any relevant diagnostic tests and clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G56.23 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

95900CPT Code

Nerve conduction studies, upper limb

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate the extent of ulnar nerve lesions.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific nerves tested and the results.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure comprehensive reports are available.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like bilateral ulnar nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like bilateral ulnar nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of a bilateral ulnar nerve lesion?

Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the ring and little fingers, as well as pain in the elbow or forearm.