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 CodesI63.212

I63.212

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I63.212 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of left vertebral artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I63.212 refers to cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the left vertebral artery. This condition occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is obstructed, leading to tissue death and neurological deficits. The left vertebral artery is a critical vessel supplying blood to the posterior circulation of the brain, including the cerebellum and brainstem. Clinical presentation may include sudden onset of weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination, depending on the area of the brain affected. Disease progression can vary; some patients may experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) prior to a full-blown stroke, while others may present acutely. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the presence of an infarct and to assess the vascular status of the vertebral arteries. Additionally, Doppler ultrasound may be utilized to evaluate blood flow and detect stenosis or occlusion. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to minimize long-term disability and improve outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation to confirm diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve anticoagulation, rehabilitation, and management of risk factors.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise identification of the occlusion or stenosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the affected artery or failure to specify occlusion vs. stenosis.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis.
  • 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 due to vertebral artery occlusion significantly impact population health, contributing to morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition helps in developing preventive strategies and improving healthcare utilization patterns. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, which are critical for reducing long-term disability and enhancing patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Cerebral infarctions due to vertebral artery occlusion significantly impact population health, contributing to morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition helps in developing preventive strategies and improving healthcare utilization patterns. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, which are critical for reducing long-term disability and enhancing patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the necessity of demonstrating medical necessity for imaging and treatment. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide evidence of the infarction's impact on the patient's health. It is essential to ensure that all relevant clinical notes, imaging reports, and treatment plans are well-documented to support the claim and avoid billing challenges.

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 I63.212?

I63.212 covers cerebral infarction resulting from occlusion or stenosis of the left vertebral artery, which may include ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) related to this vascular issue.

When should I63.212 be used instead of related codes?

I63.212 should be used when there is a confirmed cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the left vertebral artery, distinguishing it from other codes that specify different arteries or conditions.

What documentation supports I63.212?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results confirming the infarction, and any relevant history of vascular disease or risk factors that may have contributed to the condition.