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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR29.701

R29.701

NIHSS score 1

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R29.701 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 1.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score of 1 indicates a very mild neurological deficit, typically associated with a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). This score reflects minimal impairment in neurological function, which may include slight weakness in an arm or leg, minor speech difficulties, or subtle changes in consciousness. Clinically, a score of 1 suggests that the patient may have experienced a transient event that does not significantly impair daily functioning but warrants further evaluation to rule out more serious underlying conditions. It is crucial for healthcare providers to document the specific deficits observed during the assessment, as this will guide treatment decisions and further diagnostic testing. The NIHSS is a critical tool in assessing stroke severity and guiding management, making accurate scoring essential for patient care and coding purposes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of mild symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of neurological deficits
  • Differentiation from other similar codes
  • Potential for misinterpretation of the NIHSS score

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the NIHSS assessment
  • Failure to specify the nature of the neurological deficit
  • Misuse of the code for more severe deficits
  • Inconsistent scoring between providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of neurological examination findings, including specific deficits and their impact on daily activities.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with mild stroke symptoms or TIAs, requiring monitoring and potential intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the NIHSS score is clearly documented in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the initial assessment, including NIHSS scoring and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients arriving with acute onset of neurological symptoms, necessitating rapid assessment and treatment.

Billing Considerations

Accurate and timely documentation is critical in emergency settings to ensure appropriate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R29.701 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the NIHSS score is documented accurately and reflects the patient's clinical status
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture the full clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R29.701 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99284CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with NIHSS score 1 presents to the emergency department.

Documentation Requirements

Document the NIHSS score and clinical findings.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure timely and accurate documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neurological deficits, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better care management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neurological deficits, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better care management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of neurological deficits, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better care management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    NIHSS Training and Certification

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    NIHSS Training and Certification

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an NIHSS score of 1 indicate?

An NIHSS score of 1 indicates a very mild neurological deficit, which may suggest a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack.

How should I document an NIHSS score of 1?

Document the specific neurological deficits observed, the context of the assessment, and any follow-up actions taken.