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 CodesI63.219

I63.219

Billable

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of unspecified vertebral artery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I63.219 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of unspecified vertebral artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the unspecified vertebral artery refers to a condition where blood flow to a part of the brain is obstructed due to narrowing or blockage of the vertebral artery, which is responsible for supplying blood to the posterior circulation of the brain. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as sudden onset of weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or visual disturbances, which can vary based on the area of the brain affected. The vertebral arteries are critical components of the vertebrobasilar system, and occlusion can lead to ischemic stroke, resulting in potential long-term neurological deficits. Disease progression can be influenced by risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and lifestyle choices. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to confirm the presence of infarction and assess the vascular status of the vertebral arteries. Understanding the underlying cause of the occlusion or stenosis is essential for effective management and prevention of future strokes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation to confirm diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve anticoagulation, lifestyle modification, and possibly surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of symptoms, imaging findings, and risk factors is necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other types of strokes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the artery involved or incorrect code selection.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical history or lack of imaging results can lead to coding inaccuracies.
  • Billing challenges: Insufficient documentation may result in claim denials or delays in reimbursement.

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Cerebral infarction due to vertebral artery occlusion significantly impacts population health, contributing to the burden of stroke-related morbidity and mortality. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition can inform preventive strategies and improve healthcare utilization patterns. Quality measures focusing on timely diagnosis and management of strokes can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the overall impact on healthcare systems.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Cerebral infarction due to vertebral artery occlusion significantly impacts population health, contributing to the burden of stroke-related morbidity and mortality. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition can inform preventive strategies and improve healthcare utilization patterns. Quality measures focusing on timely diagnosis and management of strokes can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the overall impact on healthcare systems.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, but thorough documentation is essential to support the medical necessity of the services provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the medical necessity of the imaging studies. Best practices include ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate, and that it aligns with the coding guidelines to avoid 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 I63.219?

I63.219 covers cerebral infarction resulting from unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the vertebral artery, which may include transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and ischemic strokes due to vascular insufficiency.

When should I63.219 be used instead of related codes?

I63.219 should be used when the specific occlusion or stenosis of the vertebral artery cannot be determined, and when the clinical presentation aligns with cerebral infarction without further specification.

What documentation supports I63.219?

Documentation should include clinical notes detailing the patient's symptoms, results of imaging studies confirming cerebral infarction, and any relevant medical history that supports the diagnosis of occlusion or stenosis.