ICD-10 Coding for Lacunar Stroke(I63.81)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Lacunar Stroke. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Lacunar Stroke
I63.0-I63.9Primary Range
Cerebral infarction
This range includes codes for various types of cerebral infarctions, with I63.81 specifically for lacunar infarction.
Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease
This range is used for coding residual effects of strokes, including lacunar strokes.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for lacunar stroke
Essential facts and insights about Lacunar Stroke
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for lacunar stroke
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Lesion size ≤1.5 cm on MRI/CT
coding Criteria
- Presence of lacunar syndromes
documentation Criteria
- Specific mention of 'lacunar infarction' in records
Applicable To
- Lacunar stroke
- Small vessel stroke
Excludes
- Cortical infarction
- Embolic stroke
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI/CT showing lesion ≤1.5 cm in subcortical regions
- NIHSS score ≤6
- Presence of lacunar syndromes like pure motor hemiparesis
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with large vessel disease codes
- Incorrect use when carotid stenosis is present but unrelated
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies lacunar infarction with imaging confirmation.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Occlusion and stenosis of right carotid artery
I65.21Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Cerebral infarction due to embolism of precerebral arteries
I63.21Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lacunar Stroke to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I63.81.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate clinicians on documentation specificity, Use standardized templates
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Degrades data quality by not capturing specific stroke type.
Mitigation Strategy
Use I63.81 when imaging confirms a lacunar infarction.
Impact
Audits may focus on the specificity of stroke coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation and correct code selection.
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 Lacunar Stroke, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Lacunar Stroke
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Lacunar Stroke. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute lacunar stroke diagnosis
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Location of infarct
- Size of lesion
- Etiology
- Imaging results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Lacunar Stroke? Ask your questions below.