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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG56.32

G56.32

Billable

Lesion of radial nerve, left upper limb

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 G56.32 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lesion of radial nerve, left upper limb.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A lesion of the radial nerve in the left upper limb can result from various causes, including trauma, compression, or systemic diseases. The radial nerve is responsible for the extension of the elbow, wrist, and fingers, and its injury can lead to significant functional impairment. Patients may present with symptoms such as wrist drop, loss of sensation in the posterior aspect of the arm and forearm, and weakness in the extension of the wrist and fingers. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography to assess the extent of nerve damage and to differentiate between neuropathy and other conditions. Treatment may include physical therapy, splinting, and in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve compression or repair the nerve. Understanding the underlying cause of the lesion is crucial for effective management and rehabilitation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of nerve injuries (e.g., neuropraxia vs. axonotmesis)
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and functional limitations
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting the radial nerve
  • Variability in presentation and severity of symptoms among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the patient's symptoms and functional limitations
  • Failure to include results from nerve conduction studies
  • Misclassification of the type of nerve injury
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, results of nerve conduction studies, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with wrist drop, pain in the arm, or sensory loss in the posterior forearm.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all neurological deficits are documented, including any co-existing conditions that may affect the radial nerve.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes if applicable, imaging studies, and post-operative follow-up details.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with radial nerve lesions due to humeral fractures or compression syndromes.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any surgical interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G56.32 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the lesion's location and type
  • Include any relevant co
  • morbidities and the patient's functional status

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G56.32 When
  • Exclude codes that do not specify the left upper limb

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

95900CPT Code

Nerve conduction studies, each nerve; motor, sensory, or mixed

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm the diagnosis of radial nerve lesions.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific nerves tested and the results.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. G56.32 provides a clear designation for lesions of the radial nerve in the left upper limb, facilitating better patient management and tracking of outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. G56.32 provides a clear designation for lesions of the radial nerve in the left upper limb, facilitating better patient management and tracking of outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. G56.32 provides a clear designation for lesions of the radial nerve in the left upper limb, facilitating better patient management and tracking of outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of radial nerve lesions?

Common causes include trauma (such as fractures), compression (from prolonged pressure or tumors), and systemic diseases like diabetes that can lead to neuropathy.