NIHSS score 29

This code indicates a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 29. The NIHSS is a standardized, systematic assessment tool used to quantify neurological deficits in patients who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke. A score of 29 signifies a severe neurological impairment.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states an NIHSS score of 29 for a patient with an acute stroke. This score is typically assessed by a neurologist or trained healthcare professional during the initial evaluation and throughout the acute phase of stroke management. The score helps guide treatment decisions and predict patient outcomes.

• Always ensure the medical record clearly documents the specific NIHSS score.
• This code is for the score itself and should be sequenced after the primary diagnosis code for the acute stroke (e.g., I63.x).
• Do not use this code if the NIHSS score is not explicitly documented as 29; use the appropriate code for the documented score or R29.720 for an unspecified score.