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ICD-10 Coding for Left MCA CVA(I63.432, I69.351)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left MCA CVA. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Middle Cerebral Artery StrokeLeft MCA Infarction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left MCA CVA

I63-I69Primary Range

Cerebrovascular diseases

This range includes codes for both acute cerebrovascular accidents and their residual effects.

Personal history of transient ischemic attack (TIA), and cerebral infarction without residual deficits

Used for documenting history of stroke without current deficits.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I63.432Cerebral infarction due to embolism of left middle cerebral arteryUse during the acute phase of a left MCA embolic stroke.
  • Imaging confirmation of left MCA embolism
  • Symptom onset within 24 hours
I69.351Hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction affecting right dominant sideUse for documenting residual effects post-discharge.
  • Persistent motor deficits post-discharge
  • Documentation linking deficits to past left MCA stroke

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: How to code left MCA CVA

Essential facts and insights about Left MCA CVA

For acute left MCA CVA, use I63.432. For residual effects, use I69.351 with specific deficit codes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left mca cva

Cerebral infarction due to embolism of left middle cerebral artery
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Acute onset of neurological deficits with imaging confirmation

coding Criteria

  • Use only during initial hospital encounter

Applicable To

  • Acute left MCA embolism

Excludes

  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of left MCA embolism
  • Symptom onset within 24 hours

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use post-discharge

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies embolism as the cause.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dysphagia

R13.1
Use to document swallowing difficulties post-stroke.

Aphasia

R47.01
Use to document language deficits post-stroke.

Differential Codes

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

Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of left middle cerebral artery

I63.332
Use when thrombosis, not embolism, is the cause.

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis following cerebral infarction affecting left dominant side

I69.352
Use when the left side is affected post-stroke.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left MCA CVA to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I63.432.

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical picture of patient status., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Use 'residual' to describe ongoing deficits., Link deficits explicitly to the past stroke event.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Switch to I69 codes for residual effects after discharge.

Impact

Failure to document linkage between deficits and past stroke.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular documentation audits and training.

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 Left MCA CVA, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left MCA CVA

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left MCA CVA. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Follow-up visit post-left MCA stroke

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Neurological examination
  • Linkage of deficits to past stroke

Example Documentation

Patient presents for follow-up 6 months post-left MCA stroke with residual right-sided weakness and aphasia.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of stroke with weakness.
Good Documentation Example
Residual right hemiparesis and aphasia due to left MCA stroke on 03/15/2025.
Explanation
The good example clearly links current deficits to the past stroke event.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left MCA CVA? Ask your questions below.

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