NIHSS score 0

This code indicates a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 0. An NIHSS score of 0 signifies no neurological deficit or impairment, suggesting a complete absence of stroke symptoms or a full recovery from a prior neurological event. It is a standardized tool used to quantify the severity of neurological deficits in stroke patients.

This code is appropriate when a patient has undergone an NIHSS assessment and the resulting score is documented as 0, indicating no observable neurological deficits. This may occur during initial evaluation for suspected stroke where no deficits are found, or following treatment for stroke where the patient has fully recovered. Documentation must clearly state the NIHSS score as 0.

• Do not use this code if any neurological deficits are present, even if minor; a different NIHSS score code would be more appropriate.
• This code is often used in conjunction with codes for suspected stroke (e.g., R29.7xx series for other NIHSS scores) or follow-up care after a stroke.
• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly states "NIHSS score 0" or provides a detailed neurological exam consistent with a score of 0.