Cerebrovascular Infarction ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Cerebrovascular Infarction? 

Cerebrovascular infarction, also known as a stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage. The ICD-10-CM coding system provides specific codes to classify and document different cerebrovascular infarctions. These codes help healthcare professionals identify and track cases accurately, enabling effective treatment and research. Here are six commonly used ICD-10-CM codes for cerebrovascular infarction, along with brief clinical descriptions:

I63.0 - Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of precerebral arteries:

This code is used when a thrombus forms in the arteries supplying blood to the brain, leading to an ischemic stroke. Common causes include atherosclerosis and blood clots.

I63.5 - Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of cerebral arteries:

This code is used when there is a blockage or narrowing of cerebral arteries, resulting in a stroke, but the exact cause is not specified. It encompasses cases where the specific artery affected is not mentioned.

I63.9 - Cerebral infarction, unspecified:

This code is utilized when the information available is insufficient to determine the exact cause or location of the cerebral infarction. It is used as a general or provisional diagnosis until more specific information becomes available.

I63.4 - Cerebral infarction due to embolism of cerebral arteries:

This code is assigned when an embolus, typically a blood clot from another part of the body, lodges in a cerebral artery, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke.

I63.8 - Other cerebral infarction:

This code is used for cerebral infarctions that do not fit into the above categories or when there is insufficient information to provide a more specific diagnosis. It acts as a catch-all code for uncommon or unspecified cerebral infarctions.

I63.6 - Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of precerebral arteries:

When a blockage or narrowing of precerebral arteries (arteries supplying blood to the brain) results in a stroke, but the exact cause or affected artery is not specified, this code is assigned.

Which Cerebrovascular Infarction  ICD codes are Billable? 

I63.0 - Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of precerebral arteries

Yes, this code is billable. It specifies a thrombotic occlusion of the precerebral arteries leading to cerebral infarction, a reimbursable condition requiring medical intervention and management.

I63.5 - Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of cerebral arteries

Yes, this code is billable. While it does not provide specific information about the occlusion or stenosis, it still represents a cerebral infarction, a medically reimbursable diagnosis.

I63.9 - Cerebral infarction, unspecified

Yes, this code is billable. Although it does not provide detailed information about the specific cause or location of cerebral infarction, it still represents a valid diagnosis that necessitates medical attention and treatment.

I63.4 - Cerebral infarction due to embolism of cerebral arteries

Yes, this code is billable. It identifies a cerebral infarction caused by an embolus in the cerebral arteries, which requires medical intervention and is eligible for reimbursement.

I63.8 - Other cerebral infarction

Yes, this code is billable. It encompasses cerebral infarctions that do not fit into specific categories and represents a valid diagnosis for which medical treatment and management are necessary.

I63.6 - Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of precerebral arteries

Yes, this code is billable. Although it does not provide specific details about the occlusion or stenosis, it still represents a cerebral infarction, which is a reimbursable condition.

Clinical Information

• Cerebrovascular infarction, commonly known as a stroke, occurs when there is a disruption in blood flow to the brain, leading to brain cell damage and neurological deficits.
• It is primarily caused by the blockage of blood vessels supplying the brain (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
• Risk factors for cerebrovascular infarction include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol levels, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and family history of strokes.
• The clinical presentation of cerebrovascular infarction varies depending on the affected area of the brain and the extent of the damage. Common symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, severe headache, dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination.
• Prompt medical evaluation and intervention are crucial to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes. Diagnosis involves medical history assessment, physical examination, neuroimaging (such as CT scan or MRI), and laboratory tests.
• Treatment for cerebrovascular infarction focuses on restoring blood flow to the affected brain area, preventing further damage, and addressing underlying risk factors. Depending on the type and severity of the stroke, interventions may include thrombolytic therapy, mechanical thrombectomy, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, blood pressure control, and rehabilitation therapy.
• Complications of cerebrovascular infarction may include motor or sensory deficits, speech and language impairment, cognitive impairment, emotional disturbances, and increased risk of recurrent strokes.
• Post-stroke management involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical care, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychological support, lifestyle modifications, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of future strokes.
• Patient education on stroke prevention, recognizing warning signs, and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial in reducing the burden of cerebrovascular infarction and improving patient outcomes.

Synonyms Include:

• Stroke
• Brain attack
• Cerebral infarction
• Cerebrovascular accident
• CVA