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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI61.6

I61.6

Billable

Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage, multiple localized

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I61.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage, multiple localized.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) refers to bleeding within the brain tissue itself, which can occur due to various underlying conditions, primarily hypertension and vascular malformations. The clinical presentation often includes sudden onset of headache, neurological deficits, altered consciousness, and seizures. The anatomy involved typically includes the cerebral hemispheres, particularly the basal ganglia and thalamus, where most hemorrhages occur. Disease progression can lead to increased intracranial pressure, brain edema, and potential herniation, necessitating urgent medical intervention. Diagnostic considerations include neuroimaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans, which help confirm the presence and extent of hemorrhage. In cases of multiple localized hemorrhages, it is crucial to assess the underlying etiology, which may include chronic hypertension, coagulopathy, or cerebral amyloid angiopathy, to guide treatment and management strategies effectively.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical evaluation to differentiate from other types of strokes.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve neurosurgical intervention, medical management of blood pressure, and rehabilitation.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are essential for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise documentation of multiple hemorrhagic sites and underlying conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the type of hemorrhage or failure to document multiple sites.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the patient's history or imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity in documentation or failure to meet medical necessity.

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

Emergency Medicine

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

The clinical significance of I61.6 lies in its association with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in populations with uncontrolled hypertension. Understanding the epidemiology of multiple localized intracerebral hemorrhages can inform public health strategies aimed at reducing stroke incidence. Quality measures may include monitoring blood pressure control and timely access to neuroimaging and treatment. Healthcare utilization patterns often show increased hospital admissions and resource use for patients with this condition, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I61.6 lies in its association with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in populations with uncontrolled hypertension. Understanding the epidemiology of multiple localized intracerebral hemorrhages can inform public health strategies aimed at reducing stroke incidence. Quality measures may include monitoring blood pressure control and timely access to neuroimaging and treatment. Healthcare utilization patterns often show increased hospital admissions and resource use for patients with this condition, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity is clearly established through clinical notes and imaging studies. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of specificity in the diagnosis. Coders should ensure that all relevant details are captured in the medical record, including the patient's history of hypertension or other risk factors, to facilitate accurate billing and reduce the likelihood 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 I61.6?

I61.6 covers nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurring in multiple localized areas of the brain, often due to hypertension, vascular malformations, or coagulopathy. It does not include hemorrhages due to trauma or those classified under other specific codes.

When should I61.6 be used instead of related codes?

I61.6 should be used when there is clear evidence of multiple localized hemorrhages in the brain, as opposed to a single site or unspecified hemorrhage. Accurate imaging and clinical findings must support this code.

What documentation supports I61.6?

Documentation must include detailed clinical notes outlining the patient's symptoms, imaging results showing multiple hemorrhagic areas, and any relevant medical history that may contribute to the condition, such as hypertension or anticoagulant use.