NIHSS score 37

This code indicates a patient's National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score is 37. The NIHSS is a standardized tool used to quantify neurological deficits following an acute stroke, with scores ranging from 0 (no deficit) to 42 (severe deficit). A score of 37 signifies extremely severe neurological impairment, often associated with profound disability or coma.

This code is used when a patient has suffered an acute stroke and their NIHSS assessment results in a score of 37. Documentation must clearly state the NIHSS score as 37, typically found in neurology notes, emergency department records, or inpatient progress notes following a stroke event. It is reported in conjunction with the specific stroke diagnosis.

• Always sequence the acute stroke diagnosis (e.g., I63.-) before this code.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly documents "NIHSS score 37" or a detailed assessment that totals 37.
• Do not use this code if the NIHSS score is different; specific codes exist for other NIHSS score ranges.