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ICD-10 Coding for Carotid Bruit(R09.89, I65.2-)

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

Also known as:

Cervical BruitNeck Bruit

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Carotid Bruit

R09.89Primary Range

Other specified symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

Primary code for carotid bruit when no underlying cause is documented.

Occlusion and stenosis of carotid artery

Used when carotid bruit is due to confirmed stenosis or occlusion.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R09.89Other specified symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systemsUse when a carotid bruit is auscultated without a confirmed underlying cause.
  • Auscultation findings of a bruit over the carotid artery
  • Absence of confirmed stenosis or occlusion
I65.2-Occlusion and stenosis of carotid arteryUse when carotid bruit is due to confirmed stenosis or occlusion.
  • Imaging confirmation of stenosis or occlusion
  • Symptoms such as TIA or stroke

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 carotid bruit

Essential facts and insights about Carotid Bruit

The ICD-10 code for carotid bruit is R09.89. Use I65.2- if stenosis is confirmed.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for carotid bruit

Other specified symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Auscultation of a bruit over the carotid artery without confirmed stenosis.

coding Criteria

  • Use R09.89 when no underlying cause is documented.

Applicable To

  • Carotid bruit

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Auscultation findings of a bruit over the carotid artery
  • Absence of confirmed stenosis or occlusion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with cardiac murmurs leading to incorrect coding

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and characteristics of the bruit.

Ancillary Codes

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

Occlusion and stenosis of carotid artery

I65.2-
Use when imaging confirms stenosis as the cause of the bruit.

Differential Codes

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

Cardiac murmur, unspecified

R01.1
Carotid bruit is a vascular sound, not a cardiac murmur.

Other specified symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

R09.89
Use R09.89 when no stenosis is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Carotid Bruit to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R09.89.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate diagnosis representation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include imaging results in the patient's record., Verify documentation before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use R09.89 for carotid bruit as it is a vascular sound.

Impact

Using R01.1 instead of R09.89 for carotid bruit.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on the difference between cardiac and vascular sounds.

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

Documentation Templates for Carotid Bruit

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

Primary Care Evaluation

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Auscultation findings
  • Laterality of bruit
  • Associated symptoms
  • Diagnostic tests ordered

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a high-pitched systolic bruit over the right carotid artery. No history of TIA. Referred for carotid Doppler.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Carotid bruit noted.
Good Documentation Example
High-pitched systolic bruit (3/6 intensity) auscultated over right carotid artery; patient reports transient left arm weakness 2 weeks ago. Ordered carotid Doppler.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the bruit, associated symptoms, and diagnostic plan.

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

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