ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI63.032

I63.032

Billable

Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of left carotid artery

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 I63.032 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of left carotid artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of the left carotid artery is a critical condition characterized by the obstruction of blood flow to the brain resulting from a thrombus (blood clot) that forms in the left carotid artery. This artery is responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the left side of the brain. Clinical presentation often includes sudden onset of neurological deficits such as weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and loss of coordination. The anatomy involved includes the carotid arteries, which bifurcate into the internal and external carotid arteries; the internal carotid artery supplies the brain, while the external supplies the face and neck. Disease progression can lead to significant brain damage if not promptly treated, as the affected brain tissue becomes ischemic and can undergo necrosis. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans to confirm the presence of an infarct and Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow in the carotid arteries. Early intervention is crucial to restore blood flow and minimize neurological damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical evaluation to confirm diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve anticoagulation therapy, surgical intervention, or rehabilitation.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical documentation is necessary to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other types of cerebral infarctions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of the type of cerebral infarction.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the onset and symptoms.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation for the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Cardiology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of the left carotid artery has significant clinical implications, as it can lead to long-term disability and increased healthcare utilization. The condition is a leading cause of stroke, which affects millions globally, emphasizing the need for effective prevention and management strategies. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of the left carotid artery has significant clinical implications, as it can lead to long-term disability and increased healthcare utilization. The condition is a leading cause of stroke, which affects millions globally, emphasizing the need for effective prevention and management strategies. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the services provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for imaging studies. Best practices include maintaining clear and detailed clinical notes, ensuring that all relevant tests are documented, and using appropriate modifiers when necessary to support the billing process.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by I63.032?

I63.032 specifically covers cerebral infarction resulting from thrombosis in the left carotid artery. This includes ischemic strokes where the left carotid artery is the source of the thrombus leading to brain tissue damage.

When should I63.032 be used instead of related codes?

I63.032 should be used when the cerebral infarction is specifically due to thrombosis of the left carotid artery. If the infarction is due to embolism or affects a different artery, other codes such as I63.031 or I63.041 should be considered.

What documentation supports I63.032?

Documentation should include clinical notes detailing the patient's symptoms, imaging results confirming the infarction, and any relevant laboratory tests indicating thrombosis. Additionally, treatment plans and follow-up assessments should be documented.