G71.02

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A genetic muscle disease causing progressive weakness that typically starts in the face, shoulders, and upper arms, often with a slower progression than other muscular dystrophies.

Coding Tips

• •This condition typically presents with facial weakness and scapular winging
• •Document the pattern of muscle involvement to support the diagnosis

Clinical Significance

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is the third most common form of muscular dystrophy, characterized by progressive weakness starting in the face, shoulder blades, and upper arms. While generally milder than Duchenne type, it still significantly impacts patient function and quality of life. Accurate capture ensures appropriate risk adjustment for patients requiring ongoing neurological and rehabilitative care.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Characteristic clinical pattern: facial weakness, scapular winging, upper arm weakness
• ✓Genetic testing confirming D4Z4 repeat contraction on chromosome 4 or other genetic confirmation
• ✓Age of onset (typically adolescence to young adulthood)
• ✓Functional assessment: facial expression, arm elevation, ambulation status
• ✓Associated features: hearing loss, retinal vasculopathy if present
• ✓Provider's explicit diagnosis of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

Commonly Confused Codes