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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI63.112

I63.112

Billable

Cerebral infarction due to embolism of left vertebral artery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I63.112 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to embolism of left vertebral artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cerebral infarction due to embolism of the left vertebral artery is characterized by the obstruction of blood flow to the brain caused by an embolus originating from another part of the body, often the heart or large arteries. The left vertebral artery supplies blood to the posterior circulation of the brain, including the cerebellum and brainstem. Clinical presentation may include sudden onset of neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination, depending on the area of the brain affected. Disease progression can lead to significant disability or even death if not promptly treated. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT or MRI to confirm the presence of an infarct and to rule out other causes of stroke. Risk factors include atrial fibrillation, carotid artery disease, and other cardiovascular conditions that predispose patients to embolic events. Timely intervention is crucial to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes.

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, thrombolysis, or surgical interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of clinical findings and imaging results is essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other types of strokes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the side of the embolism or the type of stroke.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging reports.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or incorrect coding.

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 infarctions have significant clinical implications, affecting not only individual patient outcomes but also broader population health. The incidence of strokes, including those due to embolism, contributes to healthcare utilization patterns, with increased hospital admissions and rehabilitation needs. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to improve outcomes and reduce long-term disability, highlighting the importance of effective management of cardiovascular risk factors.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Cerebral infarctions have significant clinical implications, affecting not only individual patient outcomes but also broader population health. The incidence of strokes, including those due to embolism, contributes to healthcare utilization patterns, with increased hospital admissions and rehabilitation needs. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to improve outcomes and reduce long-term disability, highlighting the importance of effective management of cardiovascular risk factors.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the case and the necessity for potential interventions such as thrombolysis or surgical procedures.

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 I63.112?

I63.112 covers cerebral infarctions specifically due to embolism from the left vertebral artery. This includes ischemic strokes resulting from embolic events linked to cardiovascular conditions such as atrial fibrillation or carotid artery disease.

When should I63.112 be used instead of related codes?

I63.112 should be used when the cerebral infarction is specifically due to embolism from the left vertebral artery, as opposed to other types of strokes or embolisms from different arteries. Accurate documentation of the source of the embolism is crucial for correct code selection.

What documentation supports I63.112?

Documentation should include clinical notes detailing the patient's symptoms, results from imaging studies confirming the infarction, and any relevant history of cardiovascular disease. Clear documentation of the embolic source is essential.