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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR29.70

R29.70

NIHSS score 0-9

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R29.70 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 0-9.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score of 0-9 indicates a range of mild to moderate neurological deficits typically associated with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). This score assesses various aspects of neurological function, including consciousness, vision, motor function, sensation, language, and neglect. A score of 0 indicates no stroke symptoms, while scores from 1 to 9 reflect varying degrees of impairment. Common causes of these scores include ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes, and TIAs, often resulting from vascular occlusion or hemorrhage. The NIHSS is crucial for determining treatment protocols and predicting patient outcomes. Accurate scoring and documentation are essential for appropriate coding and billing, as they directly influence the management and reimbursement processes in acute care settings.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in scoring interpretation among clinicians
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of neurological assessments
  • Potential overlap with other neurological codes
  • Importance of timely and accurate assessment in acute settings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inconsistent documentation of NIHSS scores
  • Failure to capture all relevant neurological deficits
  • Misinterpretation of NIHSS scoring criteria
  • Inadequate linkage between clinical findings and coded diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of neurological assessments, including NIHSS scores and any changes in patient condition.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with stroke symptoms, TIAs, or post-stroke rehabilitation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all neurological deficits are documented to support the NIHSS score and any associated diagnoses.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include NIHSS scores, time of onset, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients arriving with acute stroke symptoms, requiring immediate assessment and intervention.

Billing Considerations

Timeliness of documentation is critical; ensure that all assessments are recorded promptly to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R29.70 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the NIHSS score is accurately documented and reflects the patient's clinical status
  • Use R29
  • 70 when the score is between 0
  • 9 and ensure that it is supported by clinical documentation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R29.70 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99285CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with acute stroke symptoms and requires immediate assessment.

Documentation Requirements

Document the NIHSS score and all relevant neurological assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers must 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 through the NIHSS scoring system, improving the accuracy of clinical documentation and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke severity through the NIHSS scoring system, improving the accuracy of clinical documentation and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    NIHSS Training and Certification

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    NIHSS Training and Certification

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an NIHSS score of 0-9 indicate?

An NIHSS score of 0-9 indicates mild to moderate neurological deficits, often associated with acute stroke or TIA. It is crucial for assessing the severity of symptoms and guiding treatment.