In simple words: This code signifies a stroke severity score of 7, based on a standard scale used by doctors.This indicates a moderate level of impairment due to the stroke.

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 7. This code is used to document a patient's NIHSS score of 7, which is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate the severity of a stroke based on various neurological deficits.The NIHSS assigns points for deficits in areas such as level of consciousness, gaze, visual fields, facial palsy, motor arm and leg function, limb ataxia, sensory, best language, dysarthria, and extinction and inattention. A score of 7 indicates a moderate stroke, with higher scores representing greater severity. Code first underlying cause of stroke (I63.-).

Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with sudden onset right-sided weakness and difficulty speaking.Upon neurological examination, the patient receives an NIHSS score of 7, indicating a moderate stroke., A patient is admitted to the hospital following a stroke. Serial NIHSS assessments are performed to monitor the patient's neurological status and response to treatment. The patient's initial NIHSS is 12, but improves to 7 over the next 24 hours., A patient with a history of stroke is being evaluated in a rehabilitation setting.The patient's current NIHSS score is 7, reflecting residual neurological deficits.

Documentation should include a detailed neurological examination outlining the specific deficits assessed by the NIHSS, along with the total score.The individual component scores should also be documented to support the total score.

** The NIHSS is a crucial tool for assessing stroke severity and should be used routinely in patients presenting with stroke symptoms.Accurate documentation of the NIHSS assessment is essential for appropriate coding and reimbursement.