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 CodesI63.232

I63.232

Billable

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of left carotid arteries

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I63.232 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of left carotid arteries.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the left carotid arteries refers to a condition where blood flow to a part of the brain is obstructed due to narrowing or blockage of the left carotid arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the brain. Clinically, patients may present with sudden onset of neurological deficits, such as weakness on one side of the body, speech difficulties, or visual disturbances. The left carotid artery is crucial as it branches into the internal and external carotid arteries, supplying blood to the anterior circulation of the brain. Disease progression may involve transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) leading to a full-blown stroke if not addressed. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as carotid Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI to assess the degree of occlusion or stenosis. Timely intervention is critical to prevent irreversible brain damage and improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical evaluation to determine the cause of infarction.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve anticoagulation, surgical intervention, or rehabilitation.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise documentation of the occlusion or stenosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the type of occlusion or stenosis.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the patient's history and imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis.

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 occlusion or stenosis of the left carotid arteries significantly impacts population health, contributing to morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, which are critical for improving patient outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition helps healthcare providers allocate resources effectively and implement preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of strokes related to carotid artery disease.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Cerebral infarction due to occlusion or stenosis of the left carotid arteries significantly impacts population health, contributing to morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, which are critical for improving patient outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition helps healthcare providers allocate resources effectively and implement preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of strokes related to carotid artery disease.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis aligns with the services billed. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of medical necessity. Coders should ensure that all relevant details are captured in the medical record to support the diagnosis and treatment provided, adhering to payer-specific guidelines for stroke-related claims.

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 I63.232?

I63.232 covers cerebral infarctions resulting from unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the left carotid arteries, which may include conditions like atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or embolism affecting blood flow to the brain.

When should I63.232 be used instead of related codes?

I63.232 should be used when the specific cause of occlusion or stenosis is not documented. If the cause is known, such as atherosclerosis, a more specific code should be selected.

What documentation supports I63.232?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results indicating occlusion or stenosis, and a clear description of the patient's neurological status and any interventions performed.