ICD-10 Coding for Radial Nerve Palsy(S54.2, S64.22, G56.3)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Radial Nerve Palsy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Radial Nerve Palsy
S54.2-S54.22Primary Range
Injury of radial nerve at forearm level
Used for acute traumatic injuries to the radial nerve at the forearm level.
Injury of radial nerve at wrist and hand level
Used for traumatic injuries to the radial nerve at the wrist or hand level.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S54.2 | Injury of radial nerve at forearm level | For acute traumatic injuries to the radial nerve at the forearm level. |
|
| S64.22 | Injury of radial nerve at wrist and hand level | For traumatic injuries to the radial nerve at the wrist or hand level. |
|
| G56.3 | Lesion of radial nerve | For chronic or non-traumatic lesions of the radial nerve. |
|
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 radial nerve palsy
Essential facts and insights about Radial Nerve Palsy
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for radial nerve palsy
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute trauma to the forearm with radial nerve symptoms.
Applicable To
- Acute traumatic radial nerve injury at forearm
Excludes
- Chronic radial nerve lesions (G56.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- EMG/NCS showing radial nerve dysfunction
- Physical exam with wrist drop
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect laterality
- Omission of 7th character
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies laterality and encounter type.
S64.22 - Injury of radial nerve at wrist and hand level
For traumatic injuries to the radial nerve at the wrist or hand level.
Applicable To
- Traumatic radial nerve injury at wrist/hand
Excludes
- Chronic radial nerve lesions (G56.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- EMG/NCS showing radial nerve dysfunction
- Physical exam with sensory deficits in hand
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies laterality and encounter type.
G56.3 - Lesion of radial nerve
For chronic or non-traumatic lesions of the radial nerve.
Applicable To
- Chronic radial nerve compression or entrapment
Excludes
- Acute traumatic radial nerve injuries (S54.2, S64.22)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- EMG/NCS showing chronic radial nerve dysfunction
- Physical exam with Tinel’s sign
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies chronicity and etiology.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Radial Nerve Palsy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S54.2.
Impact
Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues., Financial: Delayed reimbursement due to coding errors.
Mitigation Strategy
Use templates that prompt for laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement for acute injuries., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Use S54.2 or S64.22 with appropriate 7th character.
Impact
Incorrect use of 7th character for encounter type.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate staff on encounter type documentation.
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 Radial Nerve Palsy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Radial Nerve Palsy
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Radial Nerve Palsy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Radial Nerve Injury
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical exam findings
- EMG/NCS results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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