NIHSS score 32

This code indicates a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 32, representing a severe neurological deficit typically observed in patients experiencing an acute ischemic stroke. The NIHSS is a standardized tool used to quantify the severity of stroke symptoms based on various neurological assessments.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states an NIHSS score of 32, usually in the context of an acute cerebrovascular event. This score signifies profound neurological impairment and is critical for assessing stroke severity and guiding treatment decisions.

• Always ensure the specific NIHSS score of 32 is clearly documented by the physician.
• This code is typically secondary to the primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (e.g., I63.x).
• Do not confuse with other NIHSS score codes; each specific score has its own unique ICD-10-CM code.