2025 ICD-10-CM code Q71.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Congenital malformations - Reduction defects of upper limb Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99) Feed
Congenital complete absence of an upper limb.
The medical necessity for coding Q71.0 is established by the presence of a congenital absence of one or both upper limbs. This is a significant birth defect requiring medical attention, potentially involving prosthetics, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.The clinical documentation should clearly demonstrate the presence and extent of the defect.
The clinical responsibility for this code falls upon the physician diagnosing the congenital anomaly during a prenatal assessment, newborn examination, or later in childhood. This typically involves a thorough physical examination, and potentially genetic testing and imaging (ultrasound, X-rays, etc.), depending on the circumstances.
- Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
- Q65-Q79 (Congenital malformations and deformations of the musculoskeletal system); Q71 (Reduction defects of upper limb)
In simple words: This code means a baby is born without one or both arms. This is a condition present from birth.
This ICD-10-CM code signifies the congenital absence of one or both upper limbs.It indicates a birth defect where the arm(s) failed to develop during fetal development.The absence can be complete, involving the entire limb, or partial, affecting specific segments (though those would have different codes).
Example 1: A newborn infant is found to have a complete absence of the right arm at birth.The diagnosis is confirmed through physical examination., A pregnant woman undergoes a fetal ultrasound which reveals the absence of both upper limbs in the fetus.This diagnosis is confirmed after delivery., A child presents with a history of absent upper limb since birth. A thorough physical exam confirms the congenital absence of both arms.
Prenatal records (if available, including ultrasound reports), newborn examination notes, physical examination findings documenting the complete absence of the upper limb(s), genetic test results (if performed), imaging studies (ultrasound, X-rays, etc.) confirming the diagnosis.
** This code is specifically for congenital absence; acquired absence due to trauma or amputation would require different coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neonatology, Genetics, Orthopedics, Pediatric Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office