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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI66.29

I66.29

Billable

Occlusion and stenosis of unspecified posterior cerebral artery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I66.29 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of occlusion and stenosis of unspecified posterior cerebral artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I66.29 refers to occlusion and stenosis of the unspecified posterior cerebral artery, which is a critical vessel supplying blood to the occipital lobe and parts of the temporal lobe of the brain. Clinical presentation may include symptoms such as visual disturbances, headaches, and neurological deficits, depending on the severity and duration of the occlusion. The anatomy involved includes the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), which branches from the basilar artery and is responsible for perfusing the posterior aspects of the cerebral hemispheres. Disease progression can lead to ischemic strokes if blood flow is significantly compromised, resulting in potential long-term neurological impairment. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as MRI or CT angiography to visualize the occlusion or stenosis and assess collateral circulation. A thorough patient history and physical examination are essential to differentiate I66.29 from other cerebrovascular conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation to confirm occlusion or stenosis.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve medical therapy, surgical intervention, or rehabilitation depending on severity.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans is necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other cerebrovascular diseases.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of occlusion types or failure to specify laterality.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history 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 occlusion is not clearly defined.

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 I66.29 lies in its potential to lead to serious neurological deficits if not diagnosed and managed promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases, which are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for imaging and specialist consultations. Epidemiologically, understanding the incidence of posterior cerebral artery occlusions can help in developing targeted prevention strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I66.29 lies in its potential to lead to serious neurological deficits if not diagnosed and managed promptly. Population health impact includes the prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases, which are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, while healthcare utilization patterns reflect the need for imaging and specialist consultations. Epidemiologically, understanding the incidence of posterior cerebral artery occlusions can help in developing targeted prevention strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the severity of the condition and the treatment provided. Common denials can occur if documentation does not adequately support the diagnosis or if there is a lack of specificity in coding. It is essential to ensure that all relevant clinical information is included in the medical record to facilitate accurate billing and minimize the risk of audits.

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 I66.29?

I66.29 encompasses occlusion and stenosis of the posterior cerebral artery that is not specified as right or left. This includes conditions that may lead to ischemic events affecting the posterior circulation of the brain.

When should I66.29 be used instead of related codes?

I66.29 should be used when the occlusion or stenosis of the posterior cerebral artery is documented but not specified as affecting the right or left artery. If laterality is known, the corresponding specific code should be used.

What documentation supports I66.29?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results confirming the occlusion or stenosis, and any relevant patient history that supports the diagnosis. Detailed notes on symptoms and treatment plans are also essential.