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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI66.23

I66.23

Billable

Occlusion and stenosis of bilateral posterior cerebral arteries

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I66.23 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of occlusion and stenosis of bilateral posterior cerebral arteries.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I66.23 refers to the occlusion and stenosis of bilateral posterior cerebral arteries, which are critical vessels supplying blood to the occipital lobe and parts of the temporal lobe of the brain. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as visual disturbances, hemianopsia, or cognitive deficits due to compromised blood flow. The anatomy involved includes the posterior cerebral arteries, which branch from the basilar artery and are essential for perfusion of the posterior circulation of the brain. Disease progression can lead to ischemic strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) if not managed effectively. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as MRI or CT angiography to visualize the occlusion or stenosis and assess collateral circulation. Risk factors for this condition often overlap with other cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, necessitating a comprehensive approach to patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation to confirm diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve medical management or surgical intervention depending on severity.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans is essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other cerebrovascular conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of unilateral versus bilateral occlusion.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding patient history and imaging findings.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity or supporting 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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of I66.23 lies in its potential to lead to serious neurological deficits if not addressed promptly. The population health impact is notable, as occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries can contribute to increased rates of stroke and disability. Quality measures may include monitoring for timely intervention and management of risk factors. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to this condition can help in resource allocation and improving patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I66.23 lies in its potential to lead to serious neurological deficits if not addressed promptly. The population health impact is notable, as occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries can contribute to increased rates of stroke and disability. Quality measures may include monitoring for timely intervention and management of risk factors. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to this condition can help in resource allocation and improving patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for imaging and treatment is clearly documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the bilateral nature of the occlusion. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical details are included in the medical record to support the claim and avoid potential audits.

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 I66.23?

I66.23 covers conditions specifically related to the occlusion and stenosis of both posterior cerebral arteries, which can lead to ischemic events affecting visual and cognitive functions. It is important to differentiate this from occlusions affecting other cerebral arteries.

When should I66.23 be used instead of related codes?

I66.23 should be used when there is documented occlusion or stenosis affecting both posterior cerebral arteries, as opposed to unilateral conditions which would use I66.21 or I66.22. Accurate imaging and clinical presentation must support this coding.

What documentation supports I66.23?

Documentation should include imaging results (MRI/CT angiography), clinical symptoms (e.g., visual deficits), and any relevant medical history that supports the diagnosis of bilateral posterior cerebral artery occlusion or stenosis.