Answer :
Final answer:
The ICD-10 code for left sided weakness after a stroke is I69.354, representing hemiparesis affecting the left non-dominant side. It is crucial to record the precise nature of the symptoms for accurate coding and effective patient care.
Explanation:
The ICD-10 code for left sided weakness following a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), commonly referred to as a stroke, would likely be I69.354, which specifies hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction affecting the left non-dominant side. The code selection is based on the side of the body affected by the weakness, which is the left side in this scenario. It's important to note that hemiplegia (complete paralysis) differs from hemiparesis (partial paralysis or weakness), and the specifics of the patient's symptoms should dictate the appropriate code used. Since the patient has been described with left-sided weakness, but not complete paralysis, hemiparesis is assumed, and therefore the appropriate code is chosen.
In addition to the ICD-10 code, it's essential to understand that documentation should include a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition. This may involve recording details like muscular strength, sensory system evaluations, and reactions in the limbs, among other neurological assessments, which could impact the management and rehabilitation of the patient.
