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 CodesI65.2

I65.2

Non-billable

Occlusion and stenosis of carotid artery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I65.2 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of occlusion and stenosis of carotid artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I65.2 refers to the occlusion and stenosis of the carotid artery, a critical condition affecting the blood supply to the brain. The carotid arteries, located on either side of the neck, are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Stenosis, or narrowing of these arteries, can lead to reduced blood flow, increasing the risk of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and strokes. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination, although many may remain asymptomatic until a significant event occurs. Disease progression can be gradual, often associated with atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, leading to further narrowing and potential occlusion. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as carotid Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography to assess the degree of stenosis and blood flow. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent serious complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical assessment to confirm diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve medical management, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions such as carotid endarterectomy or stenting.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are necessary to support the diagnosis.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to differentiate between occlusion and stenosis, as well as the severity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the type of occlusion or stenosis.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the medical necessity is not clearly documented.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: Vascular Surgery

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

Secondary specialty: 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

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

The clinical significance of I65.2 lies in its association with increased risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases, impacting patient morbidity and mortality. Population health initiatives focus on early detection and management of carotid artery disease to reduce stroke incidence. Quality measures often include monitoring the prevalence of carotid stenosis and the effectiveness of interventions, influencing healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation in managing cardiovascular diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I65.2 lies in its association with increased risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases, impacting patient morbidity and mortality. Population health initiatives focus on early detection and management of carotid artery disease to reduce stroke incidence. Quality measures often include monitoring the prevalence of carotid stenosis and the effectiveness of interventions, influencing healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation in managing cardiovascular diseases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The clinical significance of I65.2 lies in its association with increased risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases, impacting patient morbidity and mortality. Population health initiatives focus on early detection and management of carotid artery disease to reduce stroke incidence. Quality measures often include monitoring the prevalence of carotid stenosis and the effectiveness of interventions, influencing healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation in managing cardiovascular diseases.

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 I65.2?

I65.2 covers occlusion and stenosis of the carotid artery, which may be due to atherosclerosis, embolism, or other vascular diseases. It specifically addresses cases where there is significant narrowing or blockage that could lead to cerebrovascular events.

When should I65.2 be used instead of related codes?

I65.2 should be used when there is documented occlusion or stenosis of the carotid artery without specifying laterality. If the condition is unilateral, I65.1 or I65.3 should be used instead, depending on the affected side.

What documentation supports I65.2?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging studies confirming the diagnosis of occlusion or stenosis, and any relevant patient history indicating risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or previous cerebrovascular events.