2025 ICD-10-CM code Z89.20
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Factors influencing health status and contact with health services - Persons with potential health hazards related to family and personal history and certain conditions influencing health status (Z77-Z99) Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99) Feed
Acquired absence of an upper limb, unspecified level.
Modifiers might be used depending on the circumstances of the visit and procedures performed.Consult the official modifier guidelines for detailed information.
Medical necessity would typically depend on the context of the encounter.For example, medical necessity for a prosthetic fitting would need to be established through documentation of the functional limitations resulting from the absence of the limb.A subsequent follow-up visit would require documentation of an ongoing clinical need.
Documentation of the acquired absence of the upper limb, its impact on the patient's health, and any related procedures or treatments.
- Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99)
- Z89 - Acquired absence of limb
In simple words: This code is used when someone is missing an upper limb (arm or hand) because it was lost after birth, such as due to an accident or surgery.The exact location of where the limb is missing isn't specified.
This code signifies the acquired absence of an upper limb, where the specific level of amputation (e.g., above or below the elbow) is not specified.The absence is acquired, meaning it occurred after birth, rather than being a congenital condition.This code is used when documenting the reason for an encounter, and should be accompanied by a procedure code if a procedure was performed.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room after a motorcycle accident resulting in the amputation of their left arm.The physician documents the injury and performs surgery.This scenario might use Z89.20 along with procedure codes for the amputation., A patient with a prior arm amputation due to a work-related injury requires prosthetic fitting and adjustment.The visit notes the status of the absence, which is recorded using Z89.20, and codes related to prosthetic care might be used., During a routine physical, a patient discloses a prior upper limb amputation from a childhood accident.While no active treatment is required, Z89.20 is used to document the absence of the limb in the patient's record.
Detailed medical history describing the cause of the limb absence (e.g., trauma, surgery, disease), documentation of the level of amputation (if specified), and any associated procedures or rehabilitation efforts.If applicable, documentation should clearly distinguish this from a congenital absence of the limb. Imaging studies (such as radiographs) may also be required, depending on the reason for the visit.
** Always verify coding with the most recent coding guidelines and payer specific requirements.If the level of amputation is known, a more specific Z89 code should be used.In instances where multiple limb amputations are present, each limb should be coded separately.Consider using additional codes to reflect associated conditions, such as infections, pain management needs, or other complications related to the missing limb.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is a diagnosis code.
- Specialties:Orthopedics, surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, prosthetics.
- Place of Service:Office, hospital (inpatient or outpatient), ambulatory surgical center, rehabilitation facility.