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 CodesI65.23

I65.23

Billable

Occlusion and stenosis of bilateral carotid arteries

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I65.23 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of occlusion and stenosis of bilateral carotid arteries.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I65.23 refers to the occlusion and stenosis of bilateral carotid arteries, which are critical blood vessels supplying oxygenated blood to the brain. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), stroke, or neurological deficits due to reduced cerebral perfusion. The anatomy involved includes the common carotid arteries, which bifurcate into the internal and external carotid arteries. Disease progression typically involves atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arterial walls, leading to narrowing (stenosis) or complete blockage (occlusion). Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography to assess blood flow and identify the severity of stenosis. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent serious complications such as stroke, making this condition a significant focus in cardiovascular health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical evaluation to confirm diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve medical management, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions such as carotid endarterectomy or stenting.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are necessary for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise documentation of laterality and severity of occlusion or stenosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying laterality or severity of stenosis.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or missing imaging reports.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation or unclear clinical rationale.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: 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

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 I65.23 lies in its association with increased risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular events, impacting population health significantly. Effective management can reduce healthcare utilization patterns related to acute stroke care and improve quality measures in cardiovascular health. Epidemiologically, the prevalence of carotid artery disease is rising with aging populations, making awareness and early intervention critical.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I65.23 lies in its association with increased risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular events, impacting population health significantly. Effective management can reduce healthcare utilization patterns related to acute stroke care and improve quality measures in cardiovascular health. Epidemiologically, the prevalence of carotid artery disease is rising with aging populations, making awareness and early intervention critical.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the severity of the condition and the interventions performed. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for procedures related to carotid artery occlusion or stenosis. Best practices include ensuring all clinical notes are complete and that imaging studies are clearly linked to the diagnosis.

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 I65.23?

I65.23 covers occlusion and stenosis of both carotid arteries, which may be due to atherosclerosis, embolism, or other vascular diseases that impede blood flow to the brain.

When should I65.23 be used instead of related codes?

I65.23 should be used when both carotid arteries are affected by occlusion or stenosis, as opposed to I65.21 or I65.22, which are used for unilateral conditions.

What documentation supports I65.23?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results showing the degree of stenosis or occlusion, and any relevant patient history that supports the diagnosis.