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ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Carotid Artery Stenosis(I65.23)

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

Also known as:

Bilateral carotid stenosisBilateral carotid artery narrowing

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Carotid Artery Stenosis

I65.2-I65.29Primary Range

Occlusion and stenosis of carotid artery

This range includes codes for stenosis of carotid arteries, specifying laterality and bilateral involvement.

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

Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Carotid Artery Stenosis

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for bilateral carotid artery stenosis

Occlusion and stenosis of bilateral carotid arteries
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Bilateral stenosis confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'bilateral carotid artery stenosis' in records

Applicable To

  • Bilateral carotid artery stenosis

Excludes

  • Atherosclerosis of carotid arteries (I70.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Doppler ultrasound showing PSV ≥230 cm/s bilaterally
  • CTA/MRA indicating ≥70% stenosis in both carotids

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unilateral or unspecified
  • Omitting associated conditions like stroke

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies bilateral involvement and severity of stenosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cerebral infarction due to stenosis

I63.5-
Use when a stroke is caused by carotid stenosis.

Atherosclerosis of other arteries

I70.8
Use when atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of stenosis.

Differential Codes

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

Occlusion and stenosis of right carotid artery

I65.21
Use when only the right carotid artery is affected.

Occlusion and stenosis of left carotid artery

I65.22
Use when only the left carotid artery is affected.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and compliance issues., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on the importance of detailed documentation., Use templates that prompt for specific details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May trigger audits for incorrect laterality coding., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data and reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use I65.23 when documentation confirms bilateral stenosis.

Impact

Incorrect coding of laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation explicitly states laterality and severity.

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 Stenosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bilateral Carotid Artery Stenosis

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

Bilateral carotid stenosis with TIA

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Imaging results
  • Physical exam findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with TIA symptoms. Imaging confirms bilateral carotid stenosis (80% right, 75% left). Plan includes statin therapy and follow-up imaging.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has carotid stenosis.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral carotid artery stenosis (70% right, 80% left) confirmed via Doppler ultrasound (PSV 250 cm/s right, 265 cm/s left) with calcified plaque on CTA.
Explanation
The good example provides specific laterality, severity, and imaging confirmation, which are essential for accurate coding.

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

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