CVA ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for CVA?

ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) codes are used to classify and document various medical conditions, including Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA), commonly known as strokes. These codes provide a standardized system for accurate medical billing and reporting, ensuring efficient healthcare documentation and coding practices. Here are some commonly used ICD-10 codes for CVA and their corresponding clinical descriptions:

I63.9 - Cerebral infarction, unspecified:

This code is used when the specific type of cerebral infarction is not identified. It represents an ischemic stroke caused by a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to tissue damage.

I61.9 - Intracerebral hemorrhage, unspecified:

This code is used when the type of intracerebral hemorrhage is not specified. It indicates bleeding within the brain tissue, often caused by the rupture of a blood vessel, resulting in damage to the surrounding brain cells.

I62.9 - Other nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage, unspecified:

This code is used when a nontraumatic hemorrhage occurs in the intracranial region, but the specific type is not mentioned. It encompasses bleeding within the skull, such as subarachnoid or subdural hemorrhages.

I64 - Stroke, not specified as hemorrhage or infarction:

This code is used when a stroke occurs, but the type (hemorrhagic or ischemic) is not specified. It indicates a disruption of blood supply to the brain, leading to a sudden neurological deficit.

I63.5 - Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of cerebral arteries:

This code is used when a cerebral infarction occurs due to a thrombus (blood clot) formation within the cerebral arteries. It signifies a blockage in the blood flow, resulting in tissue damage.

I61.0 - Intracerebral hemorrhage in hemisphere, unspecified:

This code is used when an intracerebral hemorrhage occurs within the hemisphere of the brain without specifying the exact location. It represents bleeding within the brain tissue, often associated with high blood pressure or vascular abnormalities.

I60.9 - Subarachnoid hemorrhage, unspecified:

This code is used when a subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs, but the specific cause or location is not identified. It indicates bleeding into the space between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it, often caused by the rupture of an aneurysm.

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

This code is used when a cerebral infarction occurs due to an embolus (a blood clot or other material) that travels from another part of the body and blocks a cerebral artery. It signifies a sudden obstruction of blood supply and subsequent tissue damage.

I62.0 - Subdural hemorrhage (acute) (nontraumatic):

This code is used when a subdural hemorrhage occurs without any traumatic cause. It refers to bleeding between the brain and the dura mater, often seen in older adults or individuals with underlying medical conditions.

I64.9 - Stroke, unspecified:

This code is used when a stroke occurs, but the type (hemorrhagic or ischemic) or specific details are not provided. It represents a general classification for strokes that do not have additional specificity documented.

Which CVA ICD codes are Billable? 

I63.9 - Cerebral infarction, unspecified: Yes

This code is billable as it represents an unspecified cerebral infarction, a documented medical condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.

I61.9 - Intracerebral hemorrhage, unspecified: Yes

This code is billable as it denotes an unspecified intracerebral hemorrhage, a significant medical condition requiring evaluation and management.

I62.9 - Other nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage, unspecified: Yes

This code is billable as it encompasses unspecified nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage, indicating the presence of a medical condition that necessitates medical attention and intervention.

I64 - Stroke, not specified as hemorrhage or infarction: Yes

This code is billable as it signifies a stroke without specifying whether it is a hemorrhage or an infarction, thus representing a documented medical condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.

I63.5 - Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of cerebral arteries: Yes

This code is billable as it represents a specific type of cerebral infarction caused by thrombosis of cerebral arteries, necessitating medical attention and management.

I61.0 - Intracerebral hemorrhage in hemisphere, unspecified: Yes

This code is billable as it denotes an unspecified intracerebral hemorrhage occurring in the hemisphere of the brain, indicating the presence of a medical condition that requires evaluation and treatment.

I60.9 - Subarachnoid hemorrhage, unspecified: Yes

This code is billable as it represents an unspecified subarachnoid hemorrhage, a significant medical condition requiring assessment and intervention.

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

This code is billable as it signifies a specific type of cerebral infarction caused by embolism of cerebral arteries, indicating the presence of a medical condition that necessitates medical attention and management.

I62.0 - Subdural hemorrhage (acute) (nontraumatic): Yes

This code is billable as it denotes an acute nontraumatic subdural hemorrhage, a documented medical condition requiring evaluation and treatment.

I64.9 - Stroke, unspecified: Yes

This code is billable as it represents an unspecified stroke, indicating the presence of a medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical Information

• Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), commonly known as strokes, are medical emergencies characterized by a sudden disruption of blood supply to the brain.
• Strokes can be classified into two main types: ischemic strokes, which occur due to a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, and hemorrhagic strokes, which result from bleeding in the brain.
• Ischemic strokes account for most CVAs, which can occur due to various factors such as thrombosis (blood clot formation) or embolism (blockage by a clot or other material).
• Hemorrhagic strokes result from the rupture of blood vessels in the brain, leading to bleeding and subsequent damage to brain tissue.
• Common risk factors for CVAs include hypertension (high blood pressure), smoking, diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and certain medical conditions like atrial fibrillation.
• Symptoms of a stroke may include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, severe headache, dizziness, and vision problems.
• Prompt medical attention is crucial in stroke cases to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes. Time-sensitive treatments like thrombolytic therapy or clot removal procedures may be administered for ischemic strokes, while management of hemorrhagic strokes focuses on stabilizing the patient and preventing further bleeding.
• Rehabilitation and preventive measures such as medication, lifestyle modifications, and addressing underlying risk factors are vital in stroke recovery and reducing the risk of future CVAs.
• Timely recognition, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate documentation of strokes using ICD-10-CM codes are essential for effective medical billing, reporting, and research related to CVA cases.

Synonyms Include:

• Stroke
• Cerebrovascular incident
• Brain attack
• Apoplexy
• Cerebral vascular accident