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 CodesQ71.03

Q71.03

Billable

Congenital complete absence of upper limb, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q71.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of congenital complete absence of upper limb, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital complete absence of upper limb, bilateral (Q71.03) refers to a condition where both upper limbs are completely absent at birth. This condition is classified under congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system and can occur as an isolated anomaly or as part of a syndrome. The absence of upper limbs can significantly impact a child's development, affecting their ability to perform daily activities, engage in play, and achieve developmental milestones. The etiology may involve genetic factors, environmental influences, or a combination of both. It is essential for healthcare providers to assess the child for associated anomalies, including those affecting the lower limbs or other systems. Early intervention, including physical therapy and adaptive equipment, is crucial for optimizing functional outcomes. Multidisciplinary care involving pediatricians, orthopedic specialists, and occupational therapists is often required to address the complex needs of these patients.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in associated congenital anomalies
  • Need for multidisciplinary documentation
  • Potential for syndromic associations
  • Variations in clinical presentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inconsistent documentation of associated anomalies
  • Failure to document the impact on functional abilities
  • Inadequate coding of therapy services
  • Misclassification with other limb reduction defects

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include a detailed history of the congenital condition, associated anomalies, and developmental assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include initial assessments at birth, ongoing evaluations for developmental milestones, and referrals for therapy.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include the need for adaptive devices and the psychosocial impact on the child and family.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic evaluations should document family history, potential syndromic associations, and results of genetic testing.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve genetic counseling for families and discussions about recurrence risks.

Billing Considerations

Considerations include the need for comprehensive genetic assessments to identify any underlying syndromes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q71.03 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 guidelines for coding congenital conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the absence of limbs and any associated anomalies
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture the full clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q71.03 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

97530CPT Code

Therapeutic exercise

Clinical Scenario

Used for rehabilitation in children with limb absence.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific exercises and goals.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric therapists should provide detailed notes on progress.

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 reimbursement processes.

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 reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Malformations

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Malformations

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is needed for coding Q71.03?

Documentation should include the diagnosis of bilateral upper limb absence, any associated congenital anomalies, and details of the child's developmental assessments and therapy needs.