Flaccid hemiplegia affecting left dominant side

This code signifies a complete or near-complete paralysis of the left side of the body, characterized by a loss of muscle tone and reflexes, indicating a flaccid presentation. This hemiplegia specifically affects the dominant left side, implying that the patient's primary hand for tasks is on the left.

Use this code when documentation clearly states flaccid hemiplegia impacting the patient's left dominant side. This is typically seen following acute neurological events such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord lesions. Supporting documentation should specify both the flaccid nature and the affected dominant side.

• Always confirm the laterality (left) and the dominant side as documented by the clinician.
• Distinguish between flaccid (G81.0-) and spastic (G81.1-) hemiplegia; these are distinct clinical presentations.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states "dominant" for the left side; otherwise, use the code for non-dominant or unspecified dominance.