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 CodesR29.715

R29.715

NIHSS score 15

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R29.715 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 15.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score of 15 indicates a moderate to severe stroke, reflecting significant neurological impairment. This score is derived from a comprehensive assessment of various neurological functions, including consciousness, vision, motor function, sensation, language, and neglect. A score of 15 suggests that the patient exhibits notable deficits, which may include weakness in one or more limbs, difficulty with speech, and impaired coordination. Patients with this score often require immediate medical intervention and may be at risk for further complications, including long-term disability. The NIHSS is a critical tool in both the diagnosis and management of stroke, guiding treatment decisions and prognostic evaluations. Accurate documentation of the NIHSS score is essential for coding and billing purposes, as it reflects the severity of the patient's condition and the complexity of care required.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of stroke symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of neurological assessments
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other neurological conditions
  • Importance of timely and accurate scoring for treatment decisions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the NIHSS assessment
  • Failure to capture all relevant neurological deficits
  • Misinterpretation of the NIHSS score leading to incorrect coding
  • Inconsistent scoring between different 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 evaluation and management in an inpatient setting.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all components of the NIHSS are documented to support the assigned score and subsequent treatment decisions.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate documentation of NIHSS score upon patient presentation, including any interventions initiated.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Timeliness of documentation is critical; ensure that the NIHSS score is recorded promptly to guide acute care management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R29.715 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for the use of R29
  • 715, ensuring that the NIHSS score is documented accurately and reflects the patient's clinical status
  • The score should be supported by thorough clinical notes detailing the neurological examination

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R29.715 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 15 presents to the emergency department.

Documentation Requirements

Document the NIHSS score and details of the neurological examination.

Specialty Considerations

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

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, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes. R29.715 provides a clear indication of the patient's neurological status, which is critical for treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke severity, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes. R29.715 provides a clear indication of the patient's neurological status, which is critical for treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. R29.715 provides a clear indication of the patient's neurological status, which is critical for 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 15 indicate?

An NIHSS score of 15 indicates moderate to severe neurological impairment, suggesting significant deficits that require immediate medical attention.

How is the NIHSS score determined?

The NIHSS score is determined through a standardized assessment of various neurological functions, including consciousness, motor skills, and language abilities.

What are the implications of a high NIHSS score?

A high NIHSS score indicates a greater severity of stroke, which may lead to more intensive treatment and a higher risk of long-term disability.