ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG82.21

G82.21

Billable

Paraplegia, complete

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G82.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of paraplegia, complete.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Paraplegia, complete, refers to the total loss of motor and sensory function in the lower extremities due to spinal cord injury or disease. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including traumatic injuries (such as those from accidents), congenital conditions, or diseases like multiple sclerosis or transverse myelitis. Patients with complete paraplegia typically exhibit an absence of voluntary movement and sensation below the level of the injury, which can significantly impact their mobility and daily activities. The condition is often associated with secondary complications such as pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, and psychological effects due to the loss of independence. Rehabilitation and supportive care are crucial for managing the condition, focusing on maximizing function and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause of paraplegia is essential for effective treatment and management, as it can influence the prognosis and rehabilitation strategies employed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between complete and incomplete paraplegia
  • Understanding the underlying etiology (traumatic vs. non-traumatic)
  • Documenting associated complications and comorbidities
  • Navigating the nuances of related codes for mobility impairments

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the level of injury
  • Failure to document associated conditions or complications
  • Misclassification of paraplegia as quadriplegia
  • Lack of clarity in the patient's functional status

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, imaging results, and functional assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute spinal cord injuries, chronic conditions leading to paraplegia, or follow-up visits for rehabilitation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of neurological deficits and any interventions performed.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes detailing rehabilitation efforts.

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 goals and progress is critical for accurate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G82.21 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, G82
  • 21 should be used when there is clear documentation of complete paraplegia
  • It is essential to include the cause of the paraplegia when available, as this can affect treatment and management

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G82.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97110CPT Code

Therapeutic exercises

Clinical Scenario

Used in rehabilitation for patients with complete paraplegia to improve strength and mobility.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of the patient's baseline functional status and progress notes.

Specialty Considerations

Physical therapists should document specific exercises and patient responses.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of paraplegia, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of care. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the complexities of spinal cord injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of paraplegia, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of care. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the complexities of spinal cord injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of paraplegia, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of care. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the complexities of spinal cord injuries.

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 complete and incomplete paraplegia?

Complete paraplegia indicates total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury, while incomplete paraplegia means some function remains.