ICD Code G56.03

ICD code G56.03 is used to identify the medical condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome affecting both upper limbs. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), which is used by healthcare providers to document and categorize diagnoses. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and arms. The specification of "bilateral upper limbs" indicates that both the left and right sides are affected.

1. Numbness and Tingling: Persistent numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers or hands, particularly in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

2. Pain in the Wrist or Hand: Experiencing pain that may extend from the wrist up the arm or down into the fingers, often worsening at night.

3. Weakness in the Hands: Notable weakness in the hands, making it difficult to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt or gripping objects.

4. Swelling or Stiffness: Swelling or stiffness in the fingers or wrist, which may be more pronounced in the morning.

5. Loss of Grip Strength: A noticeable decrease in grip strength, leading to frequent dropping of objects.

6. Bilateral Symptoms: Symptoms are present in both upper limbs, indicating bilateral involvement.

7. Positive Phalen’s Test: Reproduction of symptoms when the wrists are flexed for a minute or more.

8. Positive Tinel’s Sign: Tingling sensation in the fingers when tapping over the median nerve at the wrist.

9. Electrophysiological Evidence: Confirmation through nerve conduction studies showing slowed conduction velocity or prolonged distal latency in the median nerve.

10. Exclusion of Other Conditions: Ruling out other potential causes of symptoms, such as arthritis, tendonitis, or cervical radiculopathy, through clinical evaluation and imaging if necessary.

For the ICD code G56.03, which pertains to carpal tunnel syndrome in bilateral upper limbs, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. CPT 64721 - Neuroplasty and/or transposition; median nerve at carpal tunnel.
2. CPT 20526 - Injection, therapeutic (e.g., local anesthetic, corticosteroid), carpal tunnel.
3. CPT 20600 - Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a small joint or bursa (e.g., fingers, toes); without ultrasound guidance.
4. CPT 20605 - Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into an intermediate joint or bursa (e.g., wrist, elbow, ankle, temporomandibular, acromioclavicular); without ultrasound guidance.
5. CPT 20606 - Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into an intermediate joint or bursa (e.g., wrist, elbow, ankle, temporomandibular, acromioclavicular); with ultrasound guidance, with permanent recording and reporting.

These CPT codes are commonly used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and should be selected based on the specific procedures performed and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider. Always ensure that the chosen CPT codes accurately reflect the services provided and are supported by the patient's medical documentation.

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