Congenital absence of hand and finger, bilateral

This code signifies the complete congenital absence of both hands and all fingers. It describes a severe bilateral malformation where the distal upper limbs fail to develop beyond the forearm or wrist level.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states the congenital absence of both hands and fingers. This diagnosis is typically made at birth or prenatally through imaging studies.

• Ensure documentation specifies bilateral involvement; unilateral absence uses a different code.
• Distinguish from other congenital malformations of the hand, such as hypoplasia or syndactyly, which have distinct codes.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter.