ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code G51.0: Bell's palsy
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents bell's palsy in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
6Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99)
block
G50-G59Nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders
category
G51Facial nerve disorders
currentG51
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Facial palsy
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
NeurologistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
Coverage-related procedures and services
HCPCS G0255high
CURRENT PERCEPTION THRESHOLD/SENSORY NERVE CONDUCTION TEST, (SNCT) PER LIMB, ANY NERVE
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 95905high
MOTOR AND/OR SENSORY NERVE CONDUCTION, USING PRECONFIGURED ELECTRODE ARRAY(S), AMPLITUDE AND LATENCY/VELOCITY STUDY, EACH LIMB, INCLUDES F-WAVE STUDY WHEN PERFORMED, WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 95907high
NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES; 1-2 STUDIES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 95912high
NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES; 11-12 STUDIES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 95913high
NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES; 13 OR MORE STUDIES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 95908high
NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES; 3-4 STUDIES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 193093009high
Bell's palsy
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 230542008high
Congenital facial nerve palsy
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 280816001high
Facial palsy
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 68121000119103high
Facial palsy House-Brackmann grade II
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 68131000119100high
Facial palsy House-Brackmann grade III
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 68141000119109high
Facial palsy House-Brackmann grade IV
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
G51.0
Common synonyms
Bell's palsy
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.