NIHSS score 17
ICD-10 R29.717 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 17.
The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score of 17 indicates a severe level of neurological impairment, typically associated with significant stroke-related deficits. This score is derived from a comprehensive assessment of various neurological functions, including consciousness, language, motor skills, sensory perception, and visual fields. A score of 17 suggests that the patient may exhibit profound weakness, altered consciousness, and significant difficulties in communication and comprehension. Common symptoms may include hemiparesis, aphasia, and neglect. The NIHSS is crucial for determining the severity of a stroke, guiding treatment decisions, and predicting patient outcomes. It is essential for healthcare providers to accurately assess and document the NIHSS score to ensure appropriate coding and billing, as well as to facilitate effective communication among the care team.
Detailed documentation of neurological examination findings, including specific deficits and the context of the NIHSS score.
Patients presenting with acute stroke symptoms, requiring comprehensive neurological evaluation.
Consideration of comorbidities that may affect neurological function and NIHSS scoring.
Immediate and thorough documentation of the NIHSS score upon patient presentation, including time of onset and any interventions initiated.
Acute stroke presentations requiring rapid assessment and intervention.
Timeliness of documentation is critical for treatment eligibility and coding accuracy.
Used when a patient with a NIHSS score of 17 presents to the emergency department.
Documentation must support the high severity of the visit, including NIHSS score and clinical findings.
Emergency medicine providers must ensure timely and accurate documentation to justify the level of service.
An NIHSS score of 17 indicates severe neurological impairment, suggesting significant deficits in motor function, language, and consciousness, typically associated with a major stroke.
