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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR29.707

R29.707

NIHSS score 7

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R29.707 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 7.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score of 7 indicates a moderate stroke severity, reflecting significant neurological impairment. Patients scoring 7 typically exhibit a combination of motor and sensory deficits, potential language difficulties, and altered consciousness. Common symptoms may include unilateral weakness, facial droop, and difficulty with speech or comprehension. This score is critical in assessing the urgency of treatment and potential interventions, as it helps guide clinical decisions regarding thrombolysis or other acute stroke therapies. The NIHSS is a standardized tool used to quantify the impairment caused by a stroke, and a score of 7 suggests that the patient requires close monitoring and possibly intensive rehabilitation services. Accurate documentation of the patient's neurological status and the specific deficits observed is essential for appropriate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in symptom presentation among patients
  • Need for precise documentation of neurological deficits
  • Potential overlap with other neurological conditions
  • Importance of timely assessment and intervention

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inconsistent documentation of NIHSS assessments
  • Failure to capture all neurological deficits
  • Misinterpretation of NIHSS scoring
  • Inadequate linkage between symptoms and the NIHSS score

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of neurological assessments, including specific deficits and changes over time.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with stroke symptoms in a general medicine setting, requiring NIHSS assessment.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities that may affect neurological status and NIHSS scoring.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate and thorough documentation of NIHSS score upon patient arrival and subsequent assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute stroke presentations requiring rapid evaluation and intervention.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are crucial for treatment decisions and coding accuracy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R29.707 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs, ensuring that the NIHSS score is documented accurately and reflects the patient's clinical status

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R29.707 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99285CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with an NIHSS score of 7 presents to the emergency department.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's condition, NIHSS score, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure timely and accurate documentation to support the level of service.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke severity, enhancing the ability to track outcomes and resource utilization in stroke care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke severity, enhancing the ability to track outcomes and resource utilization in stroke care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke severity, enhancing the ability to track outcomes and resource utilization in stroke care.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an NIHSS score of 7 indicate?

An NIHSS score of 7 indicates moderate stroke severity, with significant neurological deficits that require close monitoring and potential intervention.