NIHSS score 12

This code indicates a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 12. The NIHSS is a systematic assessment tool used to quantify neurological deficits resulting from an acute stroke, with scores ranging from 0 (no deficit) to 42 (severe stroke). A score of 12 suggests a moderately severe stroke.

This code is used when a patient has experienced an acute stroke and their neurological status has been assessed using the NIHSS, resulting in a score of 12. Documentation must clearly state the NIHSS score as 12, typically found in neurology notes, emergency department records, or inpatient progress notes following a stroke event.

• Always ensure the specific NIHSS score of 12 is explicitly documented by the provider.
• This code should be sequenced after the primary diagnosis code for the acute stroke (e.g., I63.x).
• Do not use this code if the NIHSS score is different; select the appropriate code for the documented score.