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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ72.03

Q72.03

Billable

Congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q72.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital complete absence of lower limb, bilateral (Q72.03) refers to a condition where both lower limbs are completely absent at birth. This condition is classified under congenital malformations and deformations of the musculoskeletal system. The absence of limbs can result from various factors, including genetic mutations, environmental influences during pregnancy, or disruptions in normal fetal development. Children with this condition may face significant challenges in mobility and require comprehensive care, including prosthetics, physical therapy, and possibly surgical interventions. The etiology can be multifactorial, and associated conditions may include limb reduction defects, clubfoot, and hip dysplasia. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and resource allocation in pediatric care, as well as for genetic counseling and family planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and associated conditions
  • Need for detailed documentation of limb absence and any associated anomalies
  • Potential for co-occurring congenital conditions requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation from other limb reduction defects and congenital anomalies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of limb absence specifics
  • Failure to report associated congenital conditions
  • Misclassification of limb reduction defects
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different healthcare settings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include detailed descriptions of limb absence, any associated musculoskeletal anomalies, and the impact on mobility.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include newborn assessments, referrals for prosthetic fitting, and multidisciplinary care planning.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of developmental milestones and the need for early intervention services is crucial.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic evaluations should document any known syndromic associations and family history of congenital anomalies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Genetic counseling sessions for families with a history of congenital limb defects.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the genetic basis of limb absence can guide management and inform family planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q72.03 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the absence and any associated anomalies
  • Use additional codes for related conditions as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q72.03 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27599CPT Code

Unlisted procedure, lower extremity

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical interventions related to limb absence.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes and justification for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric orthopedic specialists may be involved in these procedures.

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 patients.

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 patients.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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 patients.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Malformations

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Congenital Malformations

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for coding Q72.03?

Documentation must include a clear description of the bilateral absence of lower limbs, any associated congenital anomalies, and the impact on the patient's mobility and care needs.