NIHSS score 35

This code indicates a patient's National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score is 35. The NIHSS is a standardized tool used to quantify neurological deficits in acute stroke patients, with higher scores reflecting more severe impairment. A score of 35 signifies profound neurological dysfunction, typically associated with very severe stroke.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states an NIHSS score of 35. This is typically used in the acute phase of stroke management to assess severity and guide treatment decisions. Documentation must clearly specify the NIHSS score.

• Always sequence the appropriate stroke diagnosis (e.g., I63.-) as the primary diagnosis, followed by the NIHSS score.
• Ensure the documented NIHSS score precisely matches the specific code; avoid rounding or estimating.
• Do not use this code if the NIHSS score is not explicitly documented as 35.