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 CodesR29.713

R29.713

NIHSS score 13

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R29.713 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 13.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a systematic assessment tool that provides a quantitative measure of stroke-related neurologic deficit. A score of 13 indicates moderate to severe stroke symptoms, reflecting significant impairment in motor function, sensory perception, and cognitive abilities. Patients scoring 13 may exhibit symptoms such as hemiparesis, aphasia, and altered consciousness. This score is critical in determining the urgency of treatment and the potential for recovery. It is essential for healthcare providers to document the specific deficits observed during the assessment, as this information guides treatment decisions and prognostic evaluations. The NIHSS score is widely used in both acute and post-acute care settings to monitor patient progress and response to interventions. Accurate coding of this score is vital for appropriate reimbursement and quality reporting.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of stroke symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of neurological deficits
  • Potential overlap with other neurological conditions
  • Importance of timely assessment and coding for acute care

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of neurological deficits
  • Failure to capture the full extent of symptoms
  • Misinterpretation of NIHSS scoring
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of neurological assessments, including specific deficits and their impact on daily functioning.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with stroke symptoms, requiring hospitalization for management and rehabilitation.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities that may affect stroke presentation and recovery.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must capture the NIHSS score at the time of presentation, along with a comprehensive neurological exam.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients arriving at the emergency department with acute onset of neurological deficits.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and accurate scoring are critical for treatment decisions, including thrombolysis eligibility.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R29.713 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM guidelines, R29
  • 713 should be used when the NIHSS score is specifically documented as 13, reflecting the severity of the patient's condition
  • Coders must ensure that the score is supported by clinical documentation

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R29.713 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99285CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with an NIHSS score of 13 presents to the emergency department.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the patient's condition, NIHSS score, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers must ensure timely and accurate documentation to support coding.

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, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes. R29.713 provides a clear indication of the patient's condition, facilitating better care coordination.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke severity, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes. R29.713 provides a clear indication of the patient's condition, facilitating better care coordination.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. R29.713 provides a clear indication of the patient's condition, facilitating better care coordination.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an NIHSS score of 13 indicate?

An NIHSS score of 13 indicates moderate to severe stroke symptoms, reflecting significant neurological impairment that requires urgent medical attention.