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 CodesI63.23

I63.23

Non-billable

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of carotid arteries

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I63.23 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of carotid arteries.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of carotid arteries refers to a condition where blood flow to a part of the brain is obstructed due to narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries, which are vital vessels supplying blood to the brain. Clinically, patients may present with sudden onset of neurological deficits, such as weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination, depending on the area of the brain affected. The carotid arteries, located on either side of the neck, can become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or embolism. Disease progression can lead to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or full-blown strokes, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies like carotid Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI to assess blood flow and identify occlusions or stenosis. Early recognition and management are crucial to prevent further neurological damage and improve patient 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 medical management, surgical intervention, or rehabilitation.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise documentation of the cause and location of the infarction.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the cause of the infarction or failing to document the specifics of occlusion.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging results can lead to coding inaccuracies.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis or if the code is not used appropriately.

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

Cerebral infarctions significantly impact population health, contributing to morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. Understanding the epidemiology of occlusive diseases of the carotid arteries is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at prevention and early intervention. Quality measures related to stroke care emphasize timely diagnosis and treatment, which can improve healthcare utilization patterns and patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Cerebral infarctions significantly impact population health, contributing to morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. Understanding the epidemiology of occlusive diseases of the carotid arteries is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at prevention and early intervention. Quality measures related to stroke care emphasize timely diagnosis and treatment, which can improve healthcare utilization patterns and patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the severity of the condition and the treatment provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding, emphasizing the need for accurate coding practices and adherence to payer-specific guidelines.

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 I63.23?

I63.23 covers cerebral infarctions resulting from unspecified occlusions or stenosis of the carotid arteries, which may include conditions like atherosclerosis or thrombosis that impede blood flow to the brain.

When should I63.23 be used instead of related codes?

I63.23 should be used when the specific cause of the cerebral infarction is not clearly defined, distinguishing it from codes that specify embolic events or other causes.

What documentation supports I63.23?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results indicating occlusion or stenosis, and a clear description of the patient's neurological status to support the diagnosis.