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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI63.512

I63.512

Billable

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of left middle cerebral artery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I63.512 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of left middle cerebral artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a critical condition characterized by the interruption of blood flow to the left MCA, leading to ischemic damage in the corresponding cerebral hemisphere. Clinically, patients may present with sudden onset of neurological deficits, including weakness or paralysis on the right side of the body, speech difficulties (aphasia), and sensory loss. The left MCA supplies a significant portion of the lateral aspect of the cerebral hemisphere, which is responsible for motor and sensory functions of the contralateral side. Disease progression can vary; some patients may experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) before a full-blown stroke occurs. Diagnostic considerations include neuroimaging (CT or MRI) to confirm the presence of an infarct and to rule out hemorrhagic stroke. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity. Early recognition and management are crucial to minimize long-term disability and improve outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical assessment to differentiate from other stroke types.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves acute management strategies, including thrombolysis or thrombectomy, and long-term rehabilitation.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are essential for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise identification of the artery involved and the nature of the occlusion or stenosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the artery or type of stroke.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging reports.
  • 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

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Cerebral infarction due to occlusion or stenosis of the left MCA significantly impacts population health, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. Quality measures focus on timely intervention and rehabilitation, which are critical for improving patient outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition helps healthcare providers allocate resources effectively and implement preventive strategies, particularly in high-risk populations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Cerebral infarction due to occlusion or stenosis of the left MCA significantly impacts population health, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with stroke. Quality measures focus on timely intervention and rehabilitation, which are critical for improving patient outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition helps healthcare providers allocate resources effectively and implement preventive strategies, particularly in high-risk populations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for imaging and interventions is clearly documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient clinical evidence or failure to meet payer-specific criteria for stroke management. Best practices include maintaining comprehensive clinical notes, ensuring all imaging results are attached, and using appropriate modifiers when necessary to indicate the complexity of care provided.

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 I63.512?

I63.512 covers cerebral infarction specifically due to occlusion or stenosis of the left middle cerebral artery, which may arise from various etiologies such as atherosclerosis or embolism. It does not specify the cause of the occlusion, allowing for broader application in cases where the exact mechanism is unclear.

When should I63.512 be used instead of related codes?

I63.512 should be used when the cerebral infarction is confirmed to be due to occlusion or stenosis of the left MCA, but the specific cause is not documented. If the cause is known, such as embolism or thrombosis, more specific codes should be selected.

What documentation supports I63.512?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical assessment, imaging results confirming the infarction, and notes indicating the absence of specific occlusion causes. Neurological assessments and treatment plans should also be documented to support the diagnosis.