G82.20
BillableParaplegia, unspecified
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 181 — Paraplegia
0.274V24HCC 71 — Paraplegia
0.550ESRDHCC 71 — Paraplegia
0.000What This Code Means
Paralysis of both legs where the specific extent of the paralysis (complete or incomplete) is not documented or specified.
Coding Tips
- •Query the provider if documentation indicates whether the paraplegia is complete or incomplete, as more specific codes exist
- •Use this code only when the completeness of the paralysis cannot be determined from the medical record
Clinical Significance
Unspecified paraplegia indicates loss of function in both lower extremities without documentation of whether the paralysis is complete or incomplete. This is a severe condition requiring wheelchair mobility, specialized equipment, skin integrity monitoring, and bladder/bowel management. Paraplegia drives very high healthcare resource utilization and significantly impacts the patient's risk profile for care needs prediction.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of paraplegia (bilateral lower extremity paralysis)
- ✓Underlying cause (spinal cord injury, tumor, vascular, degenerative disease)
- ✓Level of spinal cord involvement when known
- ✓Functional status including mobility method (wheelchair, etc.)
- ✓Bladder and bowel function status
- ✓Skin integrity assessment and pressure injury prevention plan
- ✓Active management plan and equipment needs
Commonly Confused Codes
G82.21 Paraplegia, complete — use when total loss of function is documentedG82.22 Paraplegia, incomplete — use when some motor or sensory function is preservedG82.50 Quadriplegia, unspecified — involves all four limbs, not just lower extremitiesG81.90 Hemiplegia, unspecified — affects one side only, not both lower extremitiesM54.5 Low back pain — symptom code that should not be confused with paraplegia
Code Hierarchy
└G82Paraplegia (paraparesis) and quadriplegia (quadriparesis)└G82.2Paraplegia└G82.20Paraplegia, unspecified
└G82.20Paraplegia, unspecified