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 CodesR29.741

R29.741

NIHSS score 41

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R29.741 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nihss score 41.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score of 41 indicates a severe stroke, reflecting significant neurological impairment. This score is derived from a comprehensive assessment of various neurological functions, including consciousness, language, motor skills, and sensory perception. A score of 41 suggests that the patient exhibits profound deficits, potentially including unresponsiveness, inability to follow commands, and severe motor weakness. Such a high score typically correlates with extensive brain damage, often due to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Patients may present with symptoms such as facial droop, arm and leg weakness, aphasia, and altered level of consciousness. The NIHSS is crucial for determining treatment options, prognosis, and the need for rehabilitation services. Accurate scoring and documentation are essential for effective patient management and coding purposes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Interpretation of NIHSS scoring can vary among clinicians.
  • Documentation must clearly reflect the severity of symptoms.
  • Differentiating between stroke types may complicate coding.
  • High variability in patient presentations and outcomes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of NIHSS assessments.
  • Failure to specify the type of stroke (ischemic vs. hemorrhagic).
  • Misinterpretation of NIHSS scores leading to incorrect coding.
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the severity indicated by the score.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological assessments and NIHSS scoring must be documented in the patient's medical record.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute stroke symptoms requiring hospitalization and evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all neurological deficits are documented to support the NIHSS score.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate documentation of NIHSS score upon patient presentation and any changes during treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute stroke alerts and rapid assessment in the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Timely and accurate documentation is critical for treatment decisions and coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R29.741 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the NIHSS score is documented accurately and correlates with the clinical findings
  • The score should be supported by a comprehensive neurological examination

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R29.741 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99285CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with a NIHSS score of 41 is evaluated in the emergency department.

Documentation Requirements

Document the severity of the condition 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-related conditions, including the ability to capture the severity of neurological deficits through the NIHSS score.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke-related conditions, including the ability to capture the severity of neurological deficits through the NIHSS score.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stroke-related conditions, including the ability to capture the severity of neurological deficits through the NIHSS score.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    NIH Stroke Scale Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a NIHSS score of 41 indicate?

A NIHSS score of 41 indicates severe neurological impairment, often associated with significant brain injury due to stroke.

How is the NIHSS score determined?

The NIHSS score is determined through a standardized assessment of various neurological functions, including consciousness, language, and motor skills.

What are the implications of coding R29.741?

Coding R29.741 requires thorough documentation of the patient's neurological status and the NIHSS score to ensure accurate representation of the severity of the condition.