NIHSS score 7

This code indicates a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 7, reflecting a moderate neurological deficit in a patient who has experienced an acute stroke. The NIHSS is a systematic assessment tool used to quantify the severity of stroke-related neurological impairment.

Use this code when the medical record explicitly documents an NIHSS score of 7, typically performed during the initial evaluation of an acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. This score helps clinicians assess the patient's neurological status and guide treatment decisions.

• Always ensure the NIHSS score is clearly documented by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.
• Do not code an NIHSS score based solely on a narrative description of symptoms without an explicit score.
• Sequence this code after the primary diagnosis for the acute stroke (e.g., I63.x for ischemic stroke).