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ICD-10 Coding for Cardioembolic Stroke(I63.40)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cardioembolic Stroke. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Embolic StrokeCerebral Embolism

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cardioembolic Stroke

I63.0-I63.9Primary Range

Cerebral infarction

This range includes codes for different types of cerebral infarctions, including embolic strokes.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cardioembolic stroke

Essential facts and insights about Cardioembolic Stroke

The ICD-10 code for cardioembolic stroke is I63.40, used for cerebral infarction due to embolism of unspecified cerebral artery.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cardioembolic stroke

Cerebral infarction due to embolism of unspecified cerebral artery
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed cardiac embolic source with imaging evidence

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of cardiac source and stroke symptoms

Applicable To

  • Cardioembolic stroke

Excludes

  • Cerebral arteriosclerosis with infarction

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging results showing cortical involvement
  • Echocardiogram findings indicating cardiac source
  • NIHSS score for stroke severity

Code-Specific Risks

  • Using unspecified codes when more specific ones are available

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the cardiac source of the embolism.

Ancillary Codes

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

Atrial fibrillation and flutter

I48.x
Use when atrial fibrillation is the underlying cause of the embolic stroke.

Heart failure

I50.x
Use if heart failure is a contributing factor.

Differential Codes

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

Cerebral infarction, unspecified

I63.9
Use I63.40 when embolic source is confirmed; I63.9 is for unspecified cases.

Cerebral infarction due to cerebral artery thrombosis

I63.5
Differentiate based on embolic vs. thrombotic source.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cardioembolic Stroke to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I63.40.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation standards, Use templates for consistent documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the embolic source to use I63.40.

Impact

Lack of detailed documentation can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of cardiac source and stroke symptoms.

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 Cardioembolic Stroke, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cardioembolic Stroke

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cardioembolic Stroke. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute cardioembolic stroke presentation

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Sudden onset of symptoms
  • Cortical involvement
  • Cardiac source documentation

Example Documentation

65M with sudden-onset right hemiplegia and global aphasia. MRI shows acute 3.2 cm left MCA cortical infarct. TEE reveals spontaneous echo contrast in LAA with paroxysmal AFib on telemetry.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Stroke likely from heart issue
Good Documentation Example
Acute 2.8 cm left parietal infarct with hemorrhagic conversion. TEE shows mobile LAA thrombus. Paroxysmal AFib on monitoring.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging and cardiac findings, confirming the embolic source.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cardioembolic Stroke? Ask your questions below.

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