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ICD-10 Coding for Cerebral Atherosclerosis(I67.2)

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

Also known as:

Brain Artery PlaqueCerebral Arteriosclerosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cerebral Atherosclerosis

I67.2Primary Range

Cerebral atherosclerosis

Primary code for documenting cerebral atherosclerosis unless acute stroke is present.

Cerebral infarction

Used when acute stroke due to cerebral atherosclerosis is present.

Sequelae of cerebral infarction

Used for documenting residual deficits post-stroke.

Personal history of TIA/cerebral infarction without residuals

Used when there is a history of stroke without current residuals.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cerebral atherosclerosis

Essential facts and insights about Cerebral Atherosclerosis

The ICD-10 code for cerebral atherosclerosis is I67.2, used when the condition is present without acute stroke.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cerebral atherosclerosis

Cerebral atherosclerosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of atherosclerotic plaque in cerebral arteries confirmed by imaging.

coding Criteria

  • Use I67.2 when no acute stroke is present.

Applicable To

  • Atherosclerosis of cerebral arteries

Excludes

  • Cerebral infarction (I63.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging findings such as MRI or CT showing plaque in cerebral arteries
  • Clinical symptoms like TIA or stroke linked to atherosclerosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using I67.2 when an acute stroke is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies cerebral arteries and not just general arteriosclerosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cerebral infarction

I63.0-I63.9
Use as primary code if acute stroke is due to cerebral atherosclerosis.

Differential Codes

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

Occlusion and stenosis of carotid artery

I65.2
Use when extracranial atherosclerosis is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cerebral Atherosclerosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I67.2.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the affected side as dominant or non-dominant., Include laterality in all relevant notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence I63.x first for acute stroke.

Impact

Using I67.2 as primary when an acute stroke is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.

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 Cerebral Atherosclerosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cerebral Atherosclerosis

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

Acute stroke due to cerebral atherosclerosis

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Imaging findings
  • Residual deficits

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with history of stroke. Plan: aspirin therapy.
Good Documentation Example
Acute onset left-sided weakness. MRI confirms acute right MCA infarction (I63.311) due to atherosclerotic stenosis (I67.2) of right internal carotid artery. Residual left hemiparesis documented at discharge.
Explanation
The good example specifies the etiology, laterality, and residuals, providing a complete clinical picture.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cerebral Atherosclerosis? Ask your questions below.

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