ICD-10 Coding for Ulnar Neuropathy(G56.21, G56.22, G56.23)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Ulnar Neuropathy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Ulnar Neuropathy
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| G56.21 | Lesion of ulnar nerve, right upper limb | Use when documentation specifies right-sided ulnar neuropathy. |
|
| G56.22 | Lesion of ulnar nerve, left upper limb | Use when documentation specifies left-sided ulnar neuropathy. |
|
| G56.23 | Lesion of ulnar nerve, bilateral upper limbs | Use when documentation specifies bilateral ulnar neuropathy. |
|
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 ulnar neuropathy
Essential facts and insights about Ulnar Neuropathy
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ulnar neuropathy
Decision Criteria
documentation Criteria
- Laterality must be specified as 'right'.
Applicable To
- Right ulnar nerve entrapment
- Right cubital tunnel syndrome
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Numbness/tingling in right 4th and 5th digits
- Positive Tinel's sign at right elbow
- EDS showing conduction velocity <50 m/s across right elbow
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect laterality documentation can lead to coding errors.
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
G56.22 - Lesion of ulnar nerve, left upper limb
Use when documentation specifies left-sided ulnar neuropathy.
Applicable To
- Left ulnar nerve entrapment
- Left cubital tunnel syndrome
Excludes
- Lesion of radial nerve (G56.3)
- Causalgia of upper limb (G56.4)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Numbness/tingling in left 4th and 5th digits
- Positive Tinel's sign at left elbow
- EDS showing conduction velocity <50 m/s across left elbow
Coding Notes
Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
G56.23 - Lesion of ulnar nerve, bilateral upper limbs
Use when documentation specifies bilateral ulnar neuropathy.
Applicable To
- Bilateral ulnar nerve entrapment
- Bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome
Excludes
- Lesion of radial nerve (G56.3)
- Causalgia of upper limb (G56.4)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Numbness/tingling in both 4th and 5th digits
- Positive Tinel's sign at both elbows
- EDS showing conduction velocity <50 m/s across both elbows
Coding Notes
Ensure bilateral involvement is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic polyneuropathy
E11.42Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ulnar Neuropathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G56.21.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use templates that prompt for laterality., Educate clinicians on documentation requirements.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies laterality (right, left, or bilateral).
Impact
Using unspecified codes due to incomplete documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure complete and specific 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 Ulnar Neuropathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Ulnar Neuropathy
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Ulnar Neuropathy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Neurology Progress Note
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Subjective symptoms
- Objective findings
- EDS results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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