Injury of ulnar nerve at upper arm level, left arm, init

Injury of ulnar nerve at upper arm level, left arm, initial encounter

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies damage to the ulnar nerve specifically within the upper arm region of the patient's left limb. This injury can result in sensory deficits (numbness, tingling) and/or motor weakness in the hand and fingers supplied by the ulnar nerve, such as the little finger and half of the ring finger.

🎯When to Use

This code is appropriate for initial encounters when a patient presents with a newly diagnosed or acutely sustained ulnar nerve injury located in the left upper arm. Examples include trauma from a fracture, laceration, or direct impact to the medial aspect of the left upper arm causing nerve damage.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure the documentation clearly specifies the left arm and the upper arm level for the ulnar nerve injury.
Verify this is the initial encounter for treatment of this specific injury; subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.
Look for associated injuries (e.g., fractures) that may also need to be coded.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Crosswalks

955.2ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S44Injury of nerves at shoulder and upper arm level S44.0Injury of ulnar nerve at upper arm level S44.00Injury of ulnar nerve at upper arm level, unspecified arm S44.00XAInjury of ulnar nerve at upper arm level, unsp arm, init S44.00XDInjury of ulnar nerve at upper arm level, unsp arm, subs