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ICD-10 Coding for Cerebrovascular Accident(I63, I69)

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

Also known as:

StrokeCVABrain Attack

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cerebrovascular Accident

I60-I69Primary Range

Cerebrovascular diseases

This range includes all types of cerebrovascular accidents, including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, as well as sequelae.

Personal history of transient ischemic attack (TIA), and cerebral infarction without residual deficits

Used for patients with a history of stroke without current residuals.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I63Cerebral infarctionUse for confirmed acute ischemic strokes in inpatient settings.
  • CT/MRI confirmation of cerebral infarction
  • Documentation of affected artery
I69Sequelae of cerebrovascular diseaseUse for documenting residual effects of a past stroke.
  • Documentation of residual deficits linked to prior 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 cerebrovascular accident

Essential facts and insights about Cerebrovascular Accident

The ICD-10 code for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is primarily I63 for cerebral infarction, with specific codes for different types and locations of strokes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cerebrovascular accident

Cerebral infarction
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed cerebral infarction via imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of stroke type and affected artery

Applicable To

  • Acute ischemic stroke
  • Cerebral thrombosis

Excludes

  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA) (G45.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT/MRI confirmation of cerebral infarction
  • Documentation of affected artery

Code-Specific Risks

  • Avoid use in outpatient settings unless imaging confirms stroke.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and cause.

Ancillary Codes

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

NIH Stroke Scale

R29.7-
Required for CMS mortality measures with I63 codes.

Differential Codes

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

Transient ischemic attack, unspecified

G45.9
Use G45.9 for symptoms resolving within 24 hours without infarction on imaging.

History of cerebrovascular disease without residuals

Z86.73
Use Z86.73 when there are no residual deficits.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate assessment of stroke severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with CMS reporting requirements., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on NIHSS documentation., Include NIHSS in stroke documentation templates.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm stroke with imaging before coding as I63 in outpatient settings.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding without imaging confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Require imaging confirmation before coding acute strokes.

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 Cerebrovascular Accident, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cerebrovascular Accident

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

Acute Ischemic Stroke Documentation

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • NIH Stroke Scale score
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

[HPI] '72yoM 3mo s/p I63.411 (acute left PCA infarct) presents for follow-up of: Residual right homonymous hemianopsia (I69.321) Vascular dementia (F01.C) [Exam] NIHSS 4 (1=visual, 1=sensory, 2=neglect) [Imaging] MRI brain 3/15/25: Chronic left occipital infarct, no acute changes [Plan] Continue aspirin 81mg; OT for visual neglect'

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
CVA with weakness
Good Documentation Example
Residual left hemiparesis (MMT 3/5) due to 2/2025 right MCA infarct (I63.511)
Explanation
The good example specifies the residual deficit and links it to a specific prior stroke.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cerebrovascular Accident? Ask your questions below.

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