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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI65.02

I65.02

Billable

Occlusion and stenosis of left vertebral artery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I65.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of occlusion and stenosis of left vertebral artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I65.02 refers to the occlusion and stenosis of the left vertebral artery, a critical component of the vertebrobasilar circulation that supplies blood to the posterior part of the brain. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, visual disturbances, or even transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) due to compromised blood flow. The anatomy involved includes the left vertebral artery, which branches from the subclavian artery and ascends through the cervical vertebrae to join the basilar artery. Disease progression can lead to significant neurological deficits if not addressed, as chronic occlusion may result in brain ischemia or stroke. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography to assess blood flow and identify the extent of stenosis or occlusion. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent severe complications, making awareness of this condition vital for healthcare providers.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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 I65.02 lies in its potential to lead to serious neurological outcomes if left untreated. Population health impact includes increased healthcare utilization due to emergency presentations and hospitalizations for strokes or TIAs. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and management of vertebral artery occlusions, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity associated with cerebrovascular diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I65.02 lies in its potential to lead to serious neurological outcomes if left untreated. Population health impact includes increased healthcare utilization due to emergency presentations and hospitalizations for strokes or TIAs. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and management of vertebral artery occlusions, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity associated with 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 demonstrate the severity of the condition. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, ensuring accurate coding based on the latest guidelines, and verifying insurance requirements to prevent 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 I65.02?

I65.02 covers conditions related to occlusion and stenosis of the left vertebral artery, which may include vertebral artery dissection, atherosclerosis, and other vascular anomalies that lead to reduced blood flow and potential ischemic events.

When should I65.02 be used instead of related codes?

I65.02 should be used when specifically diagnosing occlusion or stenosis of the left vertebral artery. It is crucial to differentiate from I65.01 (right vertebral artery) and I65.03 (bilateral vertebral artery) based on imaging and clinical findings.

What documentation supports I65.02?

Documentation should include imaging results that confirm occlusion or stenosis of the left vertebral artery, clinical notes detailing symptoms, and any relevant history of vascular disease or risk factors.