Wiki Weakness

[EikaMTGQueen]

How would you code right sided weakness? 780.79 or 342.90?

I need help in this ASAP

Thanks
Erica Ross CIRCC, RCC

 

[mitchellde]

if weakness is all that is documented you absolutely cannot code 342.90, that code is for a Hemiplegia, a weakness is not the same thing. a Hemiplegia as a 342.- code is a disorder of the nervous system. Therefore the 780.79 code would be correct.

 

[EikaMTGQueen]

Does anyone else have any more opinions cause I agree with Debra.
Thanks
Erica Ross CIRCC, RCC

 

[Lynda Wetter]

I agree with 780.79.

Hemiplegia /he.mə.pliː.dʒiə/ is total[dubious – discuss] paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body. Hemiplegia is more severe than hemiparesis, wherein one half of the body has less marked weakness.[1] Hemiplegia and Hemiparesis may be congenital, or they might be acquired conditions resulting from an illness, an injury, or a stroke.

Hemiplegia is more of a condition already disgnosed rather than a symptom. 342 category is a disorder of the Central nervous system. I would think you should have sufficent documentation to support a CNS condition, and not just a statement of "weakness"
Another thing to consider when you use your index in ICD under weakness it defaults to 780.79

Hope this helps.