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 CodesI63.211

I63.211

Billable

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of right vertebral artery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I63.211 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of right vertebral artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the right vertebral artery refers to a condition where blood flow to a portion of the brain is obstructed due to narrowing or blockage of the right vertebral artery. This artery is crucial for supplying blood to the posterior circulation of the brain, which includes the cerebellum and brainstem. Clinical presentation may include sudden onset of neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, dizziness, or difficulty with coordination and balance. The disease progression can vary; some patients may experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) before a full stroke occurs, while others may present with acute symptoms. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to identify the infarction and potential vascular imaging to assess the vertebral artery's patency. Understanding the underlying cause of the occlusion or stenosis is essential for effective management and prevention of future strokes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical assessment to confirm diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy, or surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise documentation of the occlusion or stenosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the affected artery or failing to document the cause of the infarction.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging results.
  • 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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of I63.211 lies in its association with stroke, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding and accurately coding this condition can improve population health outcomes by facilitating appropriate treatment and prevention strategies. Quality measures related to stroke care, such as timely intervention and rehabilitation, are critical for improving healthcare utilization patterns and reducing the burden of cerebrovascular diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I63.211 lies in its association with stroke, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding and accurately coding this condition can improve population health outcomes by facilitating appropriate treatment and prevention strategies. Quality measures related to stroke care, such as timely intervention and rehabilitation, are critical for improving healthcare utilization patterns and reducing the burden of cerebrovascular diseases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for imaging and treatment is clearly documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide evidence of the specific occlusion. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, ensuring imaging results are attached, and following up on any claims that are denied to address potential issues promptly.

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 I63.211?

I63.211 covers cerebral infarctions specifically due to occlusion or stenosis of the right vertebral artery, which may result from atherosclerosis, embolism, or other vascular diseases.

When should I63.211 be used instead of related codes?

I63.211 should be used when the infarction is specifically due to occlusion or stenosis of the right vertebral artery, and other codes should be considered if the left artery is involved or if the cause is known.

What documentation supports I63.211?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results confirming the infarction, and details regarding the occlusion or stenosis of the right vertebral artery.