Congenital absence of both forearm and hand, bilateral

This code signifies a birth defect characterized by the complete absence of both the forearm and the hand on both sides of the body. It represents a severe congenital malformation affecting the upper limbs, specifically the distal segments from the elbow down.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a bilateral congenital aplasia of the forearm and hand. This diagnosis is typically made at birth or during prenatal imaging, and supported by physical examination findings and imaging studies such as ultrasound or X-rays.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, a unilateral code may be more appropriate.
• Distinguish from congenital absence of hand only (Q71.4-) or forearm only (Q71.0-).
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, such as for prosthetic fitting or surgical evaluation.