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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG82.20

G82.20

Billable

Paraplegia, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G82.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of paraplegia, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Paraplegia is a condition characterized by the loss of motor and sensory function in the lower half of the body, typically resulting from spinal cord injury, disease, or congenital conditions. The term 'unspecified' indicates that the exact cause or nature of the paraplegia has not been clearly defined. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including trauma, tumors, infections, or degenerative diseases affecting the spinal cord. Patients may experience varying degrees of mobility impairment, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Rehabilitation and management strategies often focus on maximizing independence and mobility, utilizing physical therapy, assistive devices, and sometimes surgical interventions. In the context of cerebral palsy, paraplegia may occur as a result of neurological damage during early development, leading to motor function deficits. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management, as it influences the rehabilitation approach and potential for recovery.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in underlying causes of paraplegia
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation to specify the cause
  • Differentiation from other types of paralysis (e.g., quadriplegia)
  • Potential for co-existing conditions that complicate coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the cause of paraplegia
  • Inconsistent use of terminology in clinical notes
  • Failure to document co-existing conditions
  • Lack of clarity on the patient's functional status

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, imaging results, and history of the presenting illness.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute spinal cord injury, chronic conditions leading to mobility impairment, or neurological evaluations for unexplained paralysis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the neurological deficits and any diagnostic tests performed to support the diagnosis.

Rehabilitation Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of functional abilities, rehabilitation goals, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-spinal cord injury or those with chronic paraplegia requiring ongoing management.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's functional status and rehabilitation progress is crucial for accurate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G82.20 When
  • According to the official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, G82
  • 20 should be used when the specific type of paraplegia is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any relevant clinical details are included to avoid ambiguity

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G82.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97110CPT Code

Therapeutic exercises

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with G82.20 for rehabilitation therapy aimed at improving mobility.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the patient's progress and specific exercises performed.

Specialty Considerations

Physical therapy notes should clearly outline the goals and outcomes of therapy sessions.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of paraplegia, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation. The specificity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the epidemiology of paraplegia and its management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of paraplegia, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation. The specificity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the epidemiology of paraplegia and its management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more precise coding of paraplegia, enabling better tracking of patient outcomes and resource allocation. The specificity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the epidemiology of paraplegia and its management.

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 is the difference between G82.20 and G82.21?

G82.20 is used for unspecified paraplegia, while G82.21 is for incomplete paraplegia, where some motor function remains. Accurate documentation is essential to determine the correct code.