Stroke ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Stroke?

Strokes are a significant health concern worldwide, and accurately capturing a patient's stroke history is critical for providing appropriate care and treatment. The ICD-10 coding system offers a range of codes specific to stroke and related conditions. Here are some of the frequently used ICD-10 codes of stroke:

1. I63.9: Denotes an unspecified cerebral infarction. This code is typically employed when a patient has suffered a stroke, but the exact type has not been determined.

2. I60.9: Refers to an unspecified subarachnoid hemorrhage. This code represents situations where a patient has experienced a hemorrhage in the subarachnoid space, the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it.

3. I61.9 Stands for an unspecified nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage. This code comes into play for cases of nontraumatic bleeding within the brain.

4. I69.351: Indicates hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a cerebral infarction affecting the dominant right side. This code is employed for patients suffering from hemiplegia (one-sided paralysis) or hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body) after a stroke.

5. I69.354: Signifies hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a cerebral infarction affecting the left nondominant side. This code applies to patients experiencing hemiplegia or hemiparesis on their left nondominant side post-stroke.

6. G45.9: Denotes an unspecified transient cerebral ischemic attack. This code is used when a patient has had a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a "mini-stroke," but more specific details are unavailable.

7. I67.9: Represents an unspecified cerebrovascular disease. This code can be employed when a patient is diagnosed with a cerebrovascular disease that isn't further specified.
8. Z86.73: Corresponds to a personal history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and cerebral infarction without residual deficits. This code indicates a patient's history of TIA or stroke with no lingering deficits.

To understand Stroke ICD codes and how they fit into the broader medical billing and coding landscape, check out the explainer video below or visit our Stroke ICD Codes.

Please note that strokes are classified I60, I61, I63, and I64 in ICD-10-CA, emphasizing the international variations in coding.

Which Stroke ICD Codes are Billable?

All the codes mentioned above are billable. They can be used in the medical billing process to indicate a current or past stroke diagnosis or related conditions.

Clinical Information

• A stroke is a severe medical event characterized by an interruption in the blood supply to the brain, leading to potential neurological damage.
• The ICD-10 system captures this complex condition with codes representing different aspects of stroke. For instance, codes like I63.9 and I67.9 pertain to cerebral infarctions and cerebrovascular diseases, emphasizing the direct cerebral impact of a stroke.
• There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke, which results from a blood clot blocking a brain vessel, and hemorrhagic stroke, which results from a brain vessel rupture. These types are distinctly documented with codes like I60.9 and I61.9.
• After-effects of stroke, such as hemiplegia (one-sided paralysis) or hemiparesis (one-sided weakness), are recorded using codes like I69.351 and I69.354.
• Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), sometimes called "mini-strokes," represent brief interruptions in the brain blood supply. These events, recorded under G45.9, are crucial stroke precursors.
• Acute stroke treatments aim to dissolve the blood clot or halt bleeding in the brain as quickly as possible. Post-stroke rehabilitation assists individuals in overcoming stroke-induced disabilities.
• High blood pressure, aging, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, atherosclerosis, and a family history of stroke increase stroke risk.
• The symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and a severe, unexplained headache.
• If any stroke symptoms are experienced, urgent medical attention is required. Quick treatment is critical to minimizing brain damage and potential complications.
• Diagnostic tests such as CT scans, MRIs, angiography, and EEGs are used to locate and evaluate the extent of hemorrhagic or ischemic damage in the brain. Other tests, like coagulation studies, complete blood counts, a comprehensive metabolic panel, and urinalysis, may also be conducted.

Synonyms Include:

• Brain Attack
• Cerebral Infarction
• Cerebrovascular Accident
• CVA
• Cerebral Hemorrhage