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 CodesR29.732

R29.732

NIHSS score 32

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R29.732 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 32.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score of 32 indicates a severe level of neurological impairment, typically associated with a significant stroke event. This score reflects a range of symptoms including but not limited to severe motor and sensory deficits, altered consciousness, and profound aphasia. Patients scoring 32 often exhibit signs such as hemiplegia, inability to follow commands, and potentially life-threatening complications. The NIHSS is a critical tool used in acute stroke management to assess the severity of stroke and guide treatment decisions. A score of 32 suggests that the patient is likely experiencing extensive brain damage, necessitating immediate and aggressive medical intervention. The clinical context surrounding this score often involves acute ischemic strokes or hemorrhagic strokes, where rapid assessment and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. Laboratory findings may include elevated biomarkers of brain injury, and imaging studies such as CT or MRI may reveal significant ischemic changes or hemorrhage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Interpretation of NIHSS scores requires clinical expertise.
  • Documentation must clearly reflect the severity of symptoms.
  • Differentiating between stroke types can be complex.
  • Requires understanding of acute stroke protocols and guidelines.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of NIHSS assessments.
  • Failure to link the NIHSS score to specific clinical findings.
  • Misinterpretation of the severity of symptoms.
  • Inconsistent coding of stroke type and severity.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of neurological assessments, including NIHSS scores and clinical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with stroke symptoms in a hospital setting.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all neurological deficits and their impact on daily functioning.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate and thorough documentation of NIHSS scores upon patient arrival.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute stroke presentations requiring rapid assessment and intervention.

Billing Considerations

Document time of onset of symptoms and any pre-hospital care provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R29.732 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs
  • Ensure that the NIHSS score is documented accurately and reflects the clinical findings at the time of assessment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R29.732 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99285CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with a high NIHSS score is evaluated in the emergency department.

Documentation Requirements

Document the severity of symptoms and the NIHSS score.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure timely documentation of assessments.

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 associated symptoms, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke severity and associated symptoms, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an NIHSS score of 32 indicate?

An NIHSS score of 32 indicates severe neurological impairment, typically associated with a significant stroke event requiring immediate medical intervention.