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

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

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies damage to the median nerve specifically located in the upper arm region of the patient's left limb. Such an injury can lead to sensory deficits, motor weakness, or paralysis in the areas innervated by the median nerve distal to the injury site, including parts of the forearm and hand.

🎯When to Use

Apply this code for initial encounters involving acute trauma to the left upper arm that results in documented median nerve compromise. This includes injuries sustained from fractures, dislocations, lacerations, or crush injuries affecting the humerus or surrounding soft tissues. It is appropriate when the patient is receiving active treatment for the injury.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies the left upper arm and explicitly mentions the median nerve.
Verify that the encounter is the initial treatment for this specific injury; subsequent care will require a different encounter character.
Look for associated trauma codes (e.g., fracture of humerus) to be coded concurrently if applicable.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Crosswalks

955.1ApproxICD-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