Eli's Rehab Report
READER QUESTIONS:
Leg Weakness Leads to General Codes
Published on Mon May 09, 2005 
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Question: How should I code ""leg weakness""?
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Kansas Subscriber
Answer: You'll find few weakness codes in the ICD-9 Codes book, but you should review with your provider the diagnosis codes for generalized weakness and muscle weakness - 780.79 (Other malaise and fatigue) and 728.87 (Muscle weakness). Ask what he means by ""leg weakness"": Is it documented muscle weakness, or is the patient simply complaining of ""being weak in the legs,"" a phrase that might mean generalized fatigue or weakness?
For example, you wouldn't use the general 728.87 for facial droop. The answers to further investigation would direct you to the appropriate, more specific code - 781.94 (Facial weakness).
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