Congenital absence of both forearm and hand, unsp upper limb

This code describes a birth defect characterized by the complete absence of both the forearm and the hand in an unspecified upper limb. This is a severe form of congenital limb deficiency, indicating that the limb failed to develop beyond the humerus.

Use this code when medical record documentation clearly states the congenital absence of both the forearm and hand, but does not specify laterality (left or right). This code is appropriate for initial evaluations and follow-up care of infants and children diagnosed with this specific type of upper limb aplasia.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states the absence of both the forearm and hand.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (left or right) is specified; instead, use the more specific codes Q71.21 or Q71.22.
• Do not confuse with codes for congenital absence of only the hand (Q71.4-) or only the forearm (Q71.3-).