G51.0 Bell's palsy

The ICD-10-CM code for Bell's palsy is G51.0 (FY2026). It is a billable, claim-ready diagnosis code.

Classification

Chapter

6: Diseases of the nervous system (G00-G99)

Section

G50-G59: Nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders (G50-G59)

Category G51

12 codes (10 billable)

FY2026 Status

Stable since FY2024

Also Known As

ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index entries that lead to G51.0:

• Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › Bell's
• Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › facial (nerve)
• Diplegia (upper limbs) › facial
• Bell's › palsy, paralysis
• Palsy › facial
• Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › nerve › facial
• Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › nerve › seventh or facial

Inclusion Terms

• Facial palsy

U.S. Hospital Utilization

• An estimated 53,400 U.S. inpatient stays in 2023 included G51.0 among the documented diagnoses.
• 6,170 stays listed it as the principal diagnosis.

Source: National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2016–2023. National survey-weighted estimates.

Official Coding Guidelines

Dominant/nondominant side (TOC entry)

a. Dominant/nondominant side ................................................................................................. 45

Pain - Category G89 (TOC entry)

b. Pain - Category G89.............................................................................................................. 45

Source: CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026

References

• CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Code Set and Guidelines, FY2026
• CDC/NCHS — ICD-10-CM Files and Browser Tool
• AHRQ — HCUP National Inpatient Sample, Frequencies by Diagnosis Code (2016–2023)