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ICD-10 Coding for Transient Ischemic Attack(G45.0, G45.1, G45.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Transient Ischemic Attack. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

TIAMini-stroke

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Transient Ischemic Attack

G45Primary Range

Transient cerebral ischemic attacks and related syndromes

This range includes all codes related to transient ischemic attacks, which are temporary episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by loss of blood flow.

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

This code is used for patients with a history of TIA without any residual symptoms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G45.0Transient cerebral ischemic attackUse when TIA symptoms resolve completely within 24 hours without residuals.
  • Symptoms resolve within 24 hours
  • Negative imaging for infarction
G45.1TIA with residual symptomsUse when TIA symptoms persist beyond 24 hours but eventually resolve.
  • Symptoms persist beyond 24 hours but resolve later
  • Imaging negative for infarction
G45.9Unspecified transient cerebral ischemic attackUse when clinical details are incomplete or unspecified.
  • Incomplete clinical details
  • Symptoms suggest TIA but lack specificity

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 transient ischemic attack

Essential facts and insights about Transient Ischemic Attack

The ICD-10 code for a transient ischemic attack is G45.0 for complete resolution and G45.1 for residual symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for transient ischemic attack

Transient cerebral ischemic attack
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Symptoms resolve within 24 hours and imaging is negative for infarction.

Applicable To

  • TIA with complete resolution

Excludes

  • Cerebral infarction (I63.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Symptoms resolve within 24 hours
  • Negative imaging for infarction

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies symptom resolution time and imaging results.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of TIA without residuals

Z86.73
Use for follow-up visits after TIA resolution.

Aphasia

R47.81
Use if aphasia persists beyond the TIA event.

Differential Codes

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

Cerebral infarction

I63.x
Use I63.x if imaging confirms an infarction.

Transient cerebral ischemic attack

G45.0
Use G45.0 if symptoms resolve within 24 hours with complete details.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Transient Ischemic Attack to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G45.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical information for treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to insufficient detail.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific symptom descriptions., Include detailed imaging results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to potential overpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z86.73 unless acute infarction occurs.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Failure to adhere to coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Loss of detailed clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use G45.0 or G45.1 with laterality-specific sequelae codes.

Impact

Frequent use of G45.9 without sufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Encourage detailed documentation to support specific 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 Transient Ischemic Attack, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Transient Ischemic Attack

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Transient Ischemic Attack. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

ED TIA Workup

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Symptom onset time
  • Duration of symptoms
  • NIHSS score
  • Imaging results
  • Disposition plan

Example Documentation

[ ] Symptom onset: ___/___/____ at ____ (specify witness presence) [ ] Duration: ____ minutes/hours (document clock start/end times) [ ] NIHSS at arrival: ___ [ ] Imaging: [ ] MRI negative [ ] CTA neck [ ] Carotid ultrasound [ ] Disposition: [ ] Admit for monitoring [ ] Discharge on antiplatelet [ ] Follow-up in 24h

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had TIA.
Good Documentation Example
30-minute right facial droop and dysarthria resolving fully; MRI DWI negative.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptom details and imaging results, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Transient Ischemic Attack? Ask your questions below.

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