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ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease(I65.23, I63.231)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bilateral Carotid StenosisBilateral Carotid Occlusion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease

I65-I66Primary Range

Occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries

This range includes codes for occlusion and stenosis of carotid arteries, which is directly relevant to bilateral carotid artery disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I65.23Occlusion and stenosis of bilateral carotid arteriesUse when imaging confirms bilateral carotid artery stenosis or occlusion.
  • Imaging confirmation of stenosis or occlusion
  • Documentation of percentage stenosis
I63.231Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of right carotid arteryUse when a cerebral infarction is documented as caused by carotid stenosis.
  • Documentation of cerebral infarction
  • Causal relationship with carotid stenosis

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bilateral carotid artery disease

Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease

The ICD-10 code for bilateral carotid artery disease is I65.23, indicating occlusion and stenosis of bilateral carotid arteries.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bilateral carotid artery disease

Occlusion and stenosis of bilateral carotid arteries
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows ≥50% stenosis in symptomatic patients

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of bilateral involvement

Applicable To

  • Bilateral carotid artery stenosis
  • Bilateral carotid artery occlusion

Excludes

  • Cerebral infarction due to carotid stenosis (I63.23-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of stenosis or occlusion
  • Documentation of percentage stenosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if laterality is not specified
  • Incorrect use without imaging confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and degree of stenosis.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Personal history of transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Z86.73
Use if the patient has a history of TIA.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Disorder of arteries and arterioles, unspecified

I77.9
Use I77.9 only if documentation states 'carotid artery disease' without specifying stenosis or occlusion.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I65.23.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incomplete clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality in imaging reports., Review documentation for completeness before submission.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims if not supported by imaging., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging confirms stenosis or occlusion before coding.

Impact

Lack of imaging confirmation for coded stenosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Require imaging reports before coding.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Bilateral Carotid Stenosis with TIA

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of TIA
  • Imaging results
  • Stenosis percentage

Example Documentation

Patient presents with TIA symptoms. Imaging shows 80% stenosis in bilateral carotid arteries.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Carotid disease noted.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral carotid artery stenosis (80% right, 75% left) confirmed by Doppler ultrasound.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and degree of stenosis, providing clear documentation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bilateral Carotid Artery Disease? Ask your questions below.

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