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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ71.00

Q71.00

Billable

Congenital complete absence of unspecified upper limb

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q71.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of congenital complete absence of unspecified upper limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital complete absence of an upper limb refers to a condition where a child is born without one of their upper limbs, which can include the arm, hand, or both. This condition can occur due to various factors, including genetic mutations, environmental influences during pregnancy, or as part of a syndrome involving other congenital anomalies. The absence can be unilateral or bilateral, and it may be associated with other musculoskeletal deformities such as limb reduction defects, clubfoot, or scoliosis. The absence of an upper limb can significantly impact a child's development, affecting their ability to perform daily activities and requiring multidisciplinary care, including physical therapy and occupational therapy. Early intervention is crucial to help the child adapt and develop functional skills. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and resource allocation in pediatric care settings.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of limb absence (unilateral vs. bilateral)
  • Potential association with syndromic conditions requiring additional codes
  • Need for precise clinical descriptions to differentiate from other limb deformities
  • Variations in clinical presentation and severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the limb's absence
  • Failure to document associated congenital anomalies
  • Misclassification of limb absence as a deformity rather than a malformation
  • Inconsistent use of terminology in clinical notes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes describing the absence, associated conditions, and developmental assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A newborn presenting with upper limb absence during routine examination or a child requiring therapy for functional adaptation.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the child's age and developmental milestones is crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family history, and any syndromic associations must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Referral for genetic counseling due to suspected syndromic conditions associated with limb absence.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the genetic basis of congenital limb absence can influence coding and management strategies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q71.00 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital malformations, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's specifics and any associated anomalies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q71.00 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97530CPT Code

Therapeutic exercise

Clinical Scenario

Used in therapy sessions for children with limb absence to improve strength and coordination.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of therapy goals and progress notes.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric therapists should document specific adaptations made for the child.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and resource allocation for affected children.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and resource allocation for affected children.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 documentation is required for coding congenital complete absence of an upper limb?

Documentation should include a clear clinical description of the limb absence, any associated congenital anomalies, and details of the child's developmental assessments and therapy needs.