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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR29.712

R29.712

NIHSS score 12

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R29.712 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 12.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a systematic assessment tool that provides a quantitative measure of stroke-related neurologic deficit. A score of 12 indicates moderate to severe impairment, reflecting significant neurological deficits that may include altered consciousness, motor function, sensory perception, and language abilities. Patients scoring 12 may exhibit symptoms such as hemiparesis, aphasia, or visual field deficits. This score is crucial for determining the severity of a stroke and guiding treatment decisions, including the need for thrombolysis or other interventions. It also aids in predicting patient outcomes and rehabilitation needs. Accurate assessment and documentation of the NIHSS score are essential for appropriate coding and billing, as it directly correlates with the level of care required and the resources utilized during treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of stroke symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of NIHSS components
  • Differentiation between acute and chronic conditions
  • Potential overlap with other neurological codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of NIHSS components
  • Failure to link NIHSS score to specific treatment provided
  • Misclassification of stroke severity
  • Inconsistent scoring among healthcare providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of neurological assessments, including NIHSS components and any relevant imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute stroke symptoms, requiring hospitalization for management and monitoring.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all components of the NIHSS are documented to support the score and justify the level of care.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate documentation of NIHSS score upon patient presentation, including vital signs and initial assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients arriving at the emergency department with sudden onset of neurological deficits.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are critical for timely intervention and coding accuracy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R29.712 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for documenting stroke severity and ensure that the NIHSS score is clearly linked to the patient's clinical presentation and treatment plan

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R29.712 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99285CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with a NIHSS score of 12 presents to the emergency department.

Documentation Requirements

Document the NIHSS score, clinical findings, and treatment provided.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure timely documentation to support the level of care.

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 and related conditions, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke severity and related conditions, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke severity and related conditions, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment planning.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an NIHSS score of 12 indicate?

An NIHSS score of 12 indicates moderate to severe neurological impairment, suggesting significant deficits that may require urgent medical intervention.