Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Carotid Stenosis(I65.23)

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

Also known as:

Bilateral Atherosclerosis of Carotid ArteriesBilateral Occlusion of Carotid Arteriesbilateral carotid artery stenosisbilateral carotid artery narrowing

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Carotid Stenosis

I65.2-I65.29Primary Range

Occlusion and stenosis of carotid artery

This range includes codes for stenosis and occlusion of carotid arteries, specifying laterality and bilateral involvement.

Cerebral infarction due to carotid stenosis

This range is used when cerebral infarction is caused by carotid stenosis, requiring linkage between the stenosis and infarction.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bilateral carotid stenosis

Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Carotid Stenosis

The ICD-10 code for bilateral carotid stenosis is I65.23, used when imaging confirms stenosis in both carotid arteries without cerebral infarction.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for bilateral carotid stenosis

Occlusion and stenosis of bilateral carotid arteries
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows bilateral stenosis >50%

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'bilateral' in clinical notes

Applicable To

  • Bilateral carotid artery stenosis
  • Bilateral carotid artery occlusion

Excludes

  • Cerebral infarction due to carotid stenosis (I63.2-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of bilateral stenosis
  • Documentation of stenosis severity (e.g., >50%)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Assuming bilateral involvement without explicit documentation
  • Not specifying laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'bilateral' to use this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cerebral infarction due to carotid stenosis

I63.2-
Use when cerebral infarction is directly caused by carotid stenosis.

Differential Codes

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

Occlusion and stenosis of right carotid artery

I65.21
Use when stenosis is only on the right side.

Occlusion and stenosis of left carotid artery

I65.22
Use when stenosis is only on the left side.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Carotid Stenosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I65.23.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Document causation clearly if infarction is due to stenosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly states 'bilateral' or 'both sides'.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices.

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 Bilateral Carotid Stenosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bilateral Carotid Stenosis

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

Neurology Progress Note

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Stenosis severity
  • Imaging results
  • Symptom correlation

Example Documentation

Patient reports transient right arm weakness. Doppler reveals 80% stenosis of bilateral internal carotid arteries. No acute infarction on MRI. Plan: statin therapy, surgical referral.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Carotid stenosis noted. Admit for observation.
Good Documentation Example
80-90% bilateral carotid stenosis on CTA; admitted for recurrent TIAs. Neurology consult requested.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and severity, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bilateral Carotid Stenosis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more