Hypoesthesia of skin

This code represents a diminished or reduced sensation to touch, temperature, or pain stimuli on the skin. It indicates a partial loss of sensory perception, as opposed to a complete absence of sensation (anesthesia). This condition can affect any area of the body.

Use this code when documentation specifies a decrease in tactile, thermal, or pain sensation. This is often noted during neurological examinations or reported by the patient as numbness or "pins and needles" that is less than complete. Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing sensory deficits and their location.

• Differentiate from R20.0 (Anesthesia of skin), which indicates a complete loss of sensation.
• Always code the underlying cause of the hypoesthesia first, if known and documented (e.g., neuropathy, nerve compression).
• Specify the affected body region if further detail is available and a more specific code exists (e.g., G57.1- for meralgia paresthetica).