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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Ischemic Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke(I63.412)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Ischemic Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left MCA StrokeLeft Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Ischemic Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

I63.40-I63.49Primary Range

Cerebral infarction due to embolism

This range includes codes for cerebral infarctions due to embolism, specifically detailing laterality and artery involvement.

Sequelae of cerebral infarction

This range is used for coding residual effects after the acute phase of a cerebral infarction.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left MCA stroke

Essential facts and insights about Acute Ischemic Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

The ICD-10 code for an acute ischemic stroke due to embolism of the left middle cerebral artery is I63.412.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for acute ischemic left middle cerebral artery stroke

Cerebral infarction due to embolism of left middle cerebral artery
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging confirms embolism in left MCA.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies 'embolism' and 'left MCA'.

Applicable To

  • Acute ischemic stroke due to embolism of left MCA

Excludes

  • Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of left MCA (I63.512)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing restricted diffusion in left MCA territory
  • CTA confirming embolism in left MCA

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using unspecified codes when laterality is known

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and mechanism (embolism) are documented.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score

R29.7-
Use to document stroke severity at admission.

Unspecified atrial fibrillation

I48.91
Use if atrial fibrillation is present and contributes to embolism.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of left middle cerebral artery

I63.512
Use when imaging confirms thrombosis rather than embolism.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Ischemic Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I63.412.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of stroke severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with CMS requirements., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure NIHSS score is documented at admission and discharge.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and mechanism if known.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist to ensure laterality is documented.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Ischemic Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Ischemic Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Ischemic Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute Stroke Presentation

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient demographics
  • Onset and duration of symptoms
  • NIHSS score
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

65F presents with acute onset right facial droop and aphasia. NIHSS 12. CT perfusion shows left MCA territory hypoperfusion. CTA confirms left MCA embolism. ECG shows atrial fibrillation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has stroke.
Good Documentation Example
Acute embolic infarction of left MCA territory confirmed by MRI diffusion restriction.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type, location, and confirmation method of the stroke.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Ischemic Left Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke? Ask your questions below.

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