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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for facial nerve paralysis

G51.0

Bell's palsy

✓ Billable / specific

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › facial (nerve)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding facial nerve paralysis

The ICD-10-CM code for facial nerve paralysis is G51.0 (Bell's palsy). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on G51.0.

Within G51 (facial nerve disorders), G51.0 is specifically for Bell's palsy. Related codes cover geniculate ganglionitis (G51.1), Melkersson's syndrome (G51.2), Clonic hemifacial spasm (G51.3), facial myokymia (G51.4), other disorders of facial nerve (G51.8) and disorder of facial nerve, unspecified (G51.9).

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 073 (Cranial and Peripheral Nerve Disorders with MCC, relative weight 1.5779) and DRG 074 (Cranial and Peripheral Nerve Disorders without MCC, relative weight 1.0173), in MDC 01 (Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.

More specific facial nerve paralysis codes (official index)

  • birth injury P11.3 — Birth injury to facial nerve
  • congenital P11.3 — Birth injury to facial nerve
  • following operation NEC
  • newborn (birth injury) P11.3 — Birth injury to facial nerve

Common questions about facial nerve paralysis ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for facial nerve paralysis?

G51.0 — Bell's palsy. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: P11.3, P11.3, P11.3.

What is the ICD-10 code for birth injury facial nerve paralysis?

P11.3 — Birth injury to facial nerve.

What is the ICD-10 code for congenital facial nerve paralysis?

P11.3 — Birth injury to facial nerve.

What is the ICD-10 code for newborn facial nerve paralysis?

P11.3 — Birth injury to facial nerve.

Is G51.0 billable?

Yes. G51.0 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can G51.0 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict G51.0 as a principal diagnosis.

Is G51.0 a CC or MCC?

No. G51.0 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.