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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI63.22

I63.22

Billable

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of basilar artery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I63.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of basilar artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the basilar artery occurs when blood flow to the brain is obstructed, leading to tissue death in the affected area. The basilar artery, formed by the union of the two vertebral arteries, supplies blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and posterior cerebral hemispheres. Clinical presentation may include sudden onset of neurological deficits such as weakness, speech difficulties, dizziness, or loss of coordination, depending on the area of the brain affected. Disease progression can vary; some patients may experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) before a full-blown infarction, while others may have a sudden event. Diagnostic considerations include neuroimaging studies such as CT or MRI to visualize the infarct and assess for occlusion or stenosis. Additionally, vascular imaging like MRA or CTA may be employed to evaluate the basilar artery's patency. Understanding the underlying cause of the occlusion or stenosis is crucial 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, antiplatelet therapy, or surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise identification of the occlusion or stenosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the type of occlusion or stenosis.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete imaging reports or clinical notes.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity in documentation.

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 infarctions due to occlusion or stenosis of the basilar artery significantly impact population health, contributing to morbidity and mortality rates associated with stroke. Understanding the epidemiology of these events can inform preventive strategies and healthcare resource allocation. Quality measures focusing on timely diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization, emphasizing the need for effective management of cardiovascular risk factors.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Cerebral infarctions due to occlusion or stenosis of the basilar artery significantly impact population health, contributing to morbidity and mortality rates associated with stroke. Understanding the epidemiology of these events can inform preventive strategies and healthcare resource allocation. Quality measures focusing on timely diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization, emphasizing the need for effective management of cardiovascular risk factors.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the payer, but thorough documentation is essential to avoid denials. Common denials may arise from insufficient detail in the clinical notes or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for imaging. Best practices include ensuring that all relevant clinical information is captured and that the coding accurately reflects the patient's condition.

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 I63.22?

I63.22 covers cerebral infarctions resulting from unspecified occlusions or stenosis of the basilar artery, which may include thrombotic events or embolic strokes where the exact cause is not identified.

When should I63.22 be used instead of related codes?

I63.22 should be used when the occlusion or stenosis of the basilar artery is confirmed but not specified as thrombotic or embolic. If the cause is known, related codes like I63.21 or I63.23 should be selected.

What documentation supports I63.22?

Documentation should include imaging results showing the infarction and any notes indicating the clinical presentation and assessment of the basilar artery's condition.