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ICD-10 Coding for Basilar Artery Stenosis(I65.1, I63.5-)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Basilar Artery Stenosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Basilar Artery NarrowingBasilar Artery Occlusion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Basilar Artery Stenosis

I65-I67Primary Range

Occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries

This range includes codes for stenosis and occlusion of cerebral arteries, including the basilar artery.

Cerebral infarction

Used when basilar artery stenosis results in a cerebral infarction.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I65.1Occlusion and stenosis of basilar arteryUse when imaging confirms stenosis without acute infarction.
  • Imaging confirmation of ≥50% stenosis without infarction
  • Symptoms such as transient dizziness or diplopia without permanent deficits
I63.5-Cerebral infarction due to occlusion/stenosis of basilar arteryUse when infarction is present and linked to stenosis.
  • MRI/CT confirms acute infarction in posterior circulation territories
  • Documentation links stenosis to infarction

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for basilar artery stenosis

Essential facts and insights about Basilar Artery Stenosis

The ICD-10 code for basilar artery stenosis without infarction is I65.1. If it results in a cerebral infarction, use I63.5-.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for basilar artery stenosis

Occlusion and stenosis of basilar artery
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows ≥50% stenosis without infarction.

documentation Criteria

  • Symptoms documented without permanent deficits.

Applicable To

  • Basilar artery stenosis without infarction

Excludes

  • Cerebral infarction due to basilar artery stenosis (I63.5-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of ≥50% stenosis without infarction
  • Symptoms such as transient dizziness or diplopia without permanent deficits

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if infarction is present but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies no infarction for I65.1.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cerebral atherosclerosis

I67.1
Use if stenosis is atherosclerotic.

Differential Codes

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

Cerebral infarction due to occlusion/stenosis of basilar artery

I63.5-
Use when MRI/CT confirms infarction linked to stenosis.

Occlusion and stenosis of basilar artery

I65.1
Use when no infarction is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Basilar Artery Stenosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I65.1.

Impact

Clinical: Mismanagement of patient treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of imaging findings., Link symptoms to imaging results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment can lead to overpayment or underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use I65.1 for stenosis without infarction.

Impact

Coding infarction without documented evidence.

Mitigation Strategy

Require imaging confirmation before coding.

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 Basilar Artery Stenosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Basilar Artery Stenosis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Basilar Artery Stenosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Basilar artery stenosis without infarction

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Imaging results
  • Symptom description
  • Stenosis severity

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Basilar artery disease noted on MRI.
Good Documentation Example
70% atherosclerotic stenosis of the proximal basilar artery on CTA, correlating with acute-onset diplopia and gait instability lasting 2 hours. No acute infarction on DWI-MRI.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings, symptom correlation, and rules out infarction.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Basilar Artery Stenosis? Ask your questions below.

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