Paraplegia, unspecified

This code describes paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, including both legs, and potentially the trunk, without further specification of its cause or nature. It indicates a significant neurological impairment resulting in loss of motor and/or sensory function below the level of the lesion.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "paraplegia" but lacks details regarding its etiology (e.g., traumatic, spastic, flaccid) or specific anatomical level. This is appropriate for initial encounters or when the physician has not yet determined or documented the specific type or cause of the paraplegia.

• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies the type of paraplegia (e.g., spastic, flaccid) or its underlying cause (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis); instead, use a more specific code.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying condition or cause of the paraplegia, if known and documented.
• Query the provider for more specific details if only "paraplegia" is documented, to allow for more precise coding.