G83.0
BillableDiplegia of upper limbs
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 254 — Monoplegia, Other Paralytic Syndromes
0.000V24HCC 104 — Monoplegia, Other Paralytic Syndromes
0.304ESRDHCC 104 — Monoplegia, Other Paralytic Syndromes
0.000What This Code Means
Weakness or paralysis affecting both arms while the legs remain unaffected, typically resulting from a spinal cord or brain injury affecting the upper body.
Coding Tips
- •Diplegia of upper limbs is a specific pattern of paralysis affecting both upper extremities symmetrically
- •Distinguish this from hemiplegia (one-sided) or quadriplegia (all four limbs) to ensure accurate coding
Clinical Significance
Diplegia of upper limbs is a relatively uncommon paralytic pattern where both arms are affected while leg function is preserved. This pattern is most commonly seen with central cord syndrome or certain cerebral palsy presentations. The functional impact is significant as bilateral arm weakness severely limits self-care, feeding, and fine motor tasks even though the patient may be able to walk. Accurate coding distinguishes this from quadriplegia or bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of bilateral upper extremity weakness or paralysis
- ✓Confirmation that lower extremities are spared or relatively unaffected
- ✓Underlying etiology (central cord syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc.)
- ✓Neurological examination findings including motor strength testing
- ✓Functional limitations particularly regarding hand and arm use
- ✓Treatment plan and rehabilitation goals
- ✓Status as active condition being managed
Commonly Confused Codes
G82.50 Quadriplegia — involves all four limbs, not just upper extremitiesG83.20 Monoplegia of upper limb, unspecified — affects only one armG83.10 Monoplegia of lower limb, unspecified — affects lower, not upper extremityM62.81 Muscle weakness, generalized — nonspecific weakness rather than paralysisG95.11 Acute infarction of spinal cord (central cord syndrome) — may be the underlying cause