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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR53.2

R53.2

Functional quadriplegia

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R53.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of functional quadriplegia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Functional quadriplegia refers to a state of severe impairment in motor function affecting all four limbs, resulting in a significant loss of voluntary movement. This condition is often seen in patients with underlying neurological disorders, severe debilitation, or advanced age, where the patient may exhibit quadriplegic symptoms without any identifiable structural damage to the spinal cord or brain. Symptoms may include weakness or paralysis of the arms and legs, loss of coordination, and difficulty with mobility. Patients may also experience associated symptoms such as fatigue, muscle atrophy, and spasticity. Functional quadriplegia can arise from various causes, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, severe arthritis, or prolonged immobility. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, relying on a thorough history and physical examination, and may involve imaging studies to rule out structural causes. Laboratory findings may be non-specific but can help identify underlying conditions contributing to the functional impairment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to similar symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Potential overlap with other neurological conditions
  • Variability in patient presentation and severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of functional impairment
  • Failure to specify underlying conditions
  • Misclassification with other forms of paralysis
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of the patient's functional status, including onset and duration of symptoms, and any underlying medical conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic illnesses leading to functional decline, such as diabetes or heart failure.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities that may contribute to functional quadriplegia.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of motor function, including neurological examination and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations following a stroke or traumatic injury.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of functional status are critical in emergency settings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R53.2 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs, ensuring that the functional nature of the quadriplegia is clearly documented and that any underlying conditions are also coded

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R53.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99214CPT Code

Established patient office visit, level 4

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits for patients with functional quadriplegia.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's functional status and any changes in condition.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require more detailed chronic care management documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of functional quadriplegia, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its underlying causes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of functional quadriplegia, improving the ability to capture the nuances of this condition and its underlying causes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

impact treatment and management.

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 is the difference between functional quadriplegia and true quadriplegia?

Functional quadriplegia refers to a loss of motor function without structural damage, while true quadriplegia involves actual injury to the spinal cord or brain.