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ICD-10 Coding for Left Hemiparesis(I69.154, I63.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Hemiparesis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left-sided weaknessLeft hemiplegia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Hemiparesis

I69.150-I69.159Primary Range

Sequelae of cerebral infarction

This range includes codes for hemiparesis following cerebral infarction, specifying laterality and dominance.

Cerebral infarction

Used for acute cerebral infarction, not for sequelae.

Personal history of transient ischemic attack (TIA), and cerebral infarction without residual deficits

Used when there are no residual deficits from a past cerebral infarction.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I69.154Hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction affecting left non-dominant sideUse for residual left hemiparesis post-cerebral infarction when the left side is non-dominant.
  • CT or MRI confirming cerebral infarction
  • Documentation linking hemiparesis to past stroke
I63.9Cerebral infarction, unspecifiedUse during the acute phase of a cerebral infarction.
  • Acute presentation of stroke symptoms
  • Imaging confirming acute infarction

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left hemiparesis

Essential facts and insights about Left Hemiparesis

The ICD-10 code for left hemiparesis following cerebral infarction is I69.154.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left hemiparesis

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction affecting left non-dominant side
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has residual left-sided weakness post-cerebral infarction.

documentation Criteria

  • Provider notes explicitly link hemiparesis to a past cerebral infarction.

Applicable To

  • Left hemiparesis post-stroke
  • Left-sided weakness due to cerebral infarction

Excludes

  • Acute cerebral infarction (I63.-)
  • Monoplegia of upper limb (I69.34-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT or MRI confirming cerebral infarction
  • Documentation linking hemiparesis to past stroke

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using acute infarction codes for follow-up visits
  • Not documenting the link between hemiparesis and cerebral infarction

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the non-dominant side if the patient is right-handed or ambidextrous.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Long term (current) use of anticoagulants

Z79.01
Use when the patient is on anticoagulation therapy post-stroke.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Monoplegia of upper limb following cerebral infarction affecting left non-dominant side

I69.354
Use when only one limb is affected, not the entire side.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Hemiparesis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I69.154.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always link symptoms to underlying conditions, Use specific terminology like 'hemiparesis'

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use sequela codes like I69.154 for follow-up visits post-stroke.

Impact

Using I63 codes instead of I69 codes for follow-up visits.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of using sequela codes for chronic conditions.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Left Hemiparesis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Hemiparesis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Hemiparesis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Follow-up visit for left hemiparesis post-stroke

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical exam findings
  • Assessment linking hemiparesis to CVA

Example Documentation

Patient presents with residual left hemiparesis due to cerebral infarction on 03/2025. Right-handed, non-dominant side affected.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has left arm weakness.
Good Documentation Example
Residual left hemiparesis due to cerebral infarction (03/2025); right-handed, non-dominant side affected.
Explanation
The good example clearly links the hemiparesis to a past cerebral infarction and specifies laterality and dominance.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Hemiparesis? Ask your questions below.

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