ICD-10 Codes for Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Did you know that the primary ICD-10 code for cerebrovascular accidents has ten categories? Get help from our blog about the primary code, I67, and other codes associated with CVA. This blog also highlights the challenges that come with assigning those codes.

We have also prepared a detailed guide for you where you can find details about how Health Quest Billing can overcome those challenges for you. 

Furthermore, streamline your workflow with our expert revenue cycle management solutions. Our services ensure accuracy and efficiency. Discover how we enhance your practice’s operations.

List of ICD-10 Codes for Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

The primary code for CVA is I67. It is associated with other cerebrovascular diseases. It is a non-billable code and has ten categories. Let’s look at those categories in detail:

• ICD-10 Code I67.0

This code is associated with a nonruptured dissection of cerebral arteries. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 443.29.

• ICD-10 Code I67.1

This code is associated with a nonruptured cerebral aneurysm. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 437.3.

• ICD-10 Code I67.2

This code is associated with cerebral atherosclerosis. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 437.0.

• ICD-10 Code I67.3

This code is associated with progressive vascular leukoencephalopathy. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 046.3.

• ICD-10 Code I67.4

This code is associated with hypertensive encephalopathy. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 437.2.

• ICD-10 Code I67.5

This code is associated with moyamoya disease. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 437.5.

• ICD-10 Code I67.6

This code is associated with nonpyogenic thrombosis of the intracranial venous system. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 437.6.

• ICD-10 Code I67.7

This code is associated with cerebral arteritis which is not elsewhere classified. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 437.4.

• ICD-10 Code I67.8

This code is associated with other specified cerebrovascular diseases. It is non-billable as it has subtypes with more details about the diagnosis. Here is a closer look at those subtypes:

ICD-10 Code	Disease Associated	Billable / Non-Billable	Converted ICD-9-CM Code
I67.81	Acute cerebrovascular insufficiency	Billable	437.1
I67.82	Cerebral ischemia	Billable	437.1
I67.83	Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome	Billable	348.39
I67.84	Cerebral vasospasm and vasoconstriction	Non-Billable	N/A
I67.841	Reversible cerebrovascular vasoconstriction syndrome	Billable	435.9
I67.848	Other cerebrovascular vasospasm and vasoconstriction	Billable	435.9
I67.85	Hereditary cerebrovascular diseases	Non-Billable	N/A
I67.850	Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy	Billable	N/A
I67.858	Other hereditary cerebrovascular diseases	Billable	N/A
I67.89	Other cerebrovascular disease	Billable	437.8

• ICD-10 Code I67.9

This code is associated with an unspecified cerebrovascular disease. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this diagnosis is 437.9.

Challenges of ICD-10 Coding for CVA

There can be various challenges associated with assigning ICD-10 codes to cerebrovascular accidents. Let’s take a look at them in detail:

• Specificity of Stroke Type

ICD-10 coding for cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) presents several challenges. You may face those challenges due to the complexity and detail required. One of the primary difficulties is the specificity of the stroke type. ICD-10 codes require precise identification of the type of cerebrovascular accident.

Its types include ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Each type has its distinct code for which an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Misclassification can occur if the type of stroke is not clearly documented.

You can also misclassify the stroke if its clinical presentation is ambiguous. For example, ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes have different underlying causes and treatment approaches. This makes it essential for you to differentiate them accurately.

• Determining the Exact Location

Another challenge is determining the exact location of the stroke within the brain. ICD-10 codes require detailed information about which brain region was affected. The relevant regions include the frontal lobe and parietal lobe. This level of detail is often derived from neuroimaging results and clinical documentation.

There can be cases in which the imaging results are unclear. The clinical notes may also lack specificity. As a result, assigning codes for the precise location can be problematic. Without accurate localization, the coding may not fully reflect the patient’s condition.

• Acute and Chronic Classification

Cerebrovascular accidents have to be classified as either acute or chronic. This classification can further complicate the coding process. ICD-10 distinguishes between acute strokes and their long-term effects. You must accurately categorize a stroke either as an ongoing acute event or a residual effect.

This categorization requires careful documentation. It becomes challenging whenever the patient’s status evolves over time. This makes it difficult for you to determine if the symptoms are a continuation of the acute event or a new development.

• Coding Multiple Strokes

Coding multiple strokes adds another layer of complexity. There can be a lot of patients who experience multiple strokes. For them, you have to document the details for each individual event. This includes distinguishing between separate strokes and their respective outcomes.

It can be particularly challenging if the strokes occur in different brain regions. Some strokes can also have varied impacts which need to be considered as well. You must ensure that each stroke and its consequences are accurately coded. It can only be achieved by thorough and precise documentation.

• Complications and Sequelae

You also have to assign accurate codes to the complications and sequelae of cerebrovascular accidents. Strokes often lead to various complications. These complications include aspiration pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis.

There can be long-term effects as well like hemiplegia or aphasia. Coding these additional conditions requires linking them back to the initial stroke diagnosis. This process can be complicated if multiple complications are present. The documentation can also lack detail about these secondary conditions.

• Linking to Underlying Conditions

Furthermore, there are some underlying conditions associated with cerebrovascular accidents as well. These conditions primarily include hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Assigning codes to these conditions presents its own set of challenges.

Accurate coding requires identifying and documenting them and their role in the stroke. There can be multiple comorbidities involved with CVA. In such cases, recording all relevant conditions and linking them to the stroke diagnosis can be complex.

How Can Health Quest Billing Overcome These Challenges?

At Health Quest Billing, we understand the challenges associated with the ICD-10 codes of cerebrovascular accidents. Our goal is to ensure that your practice receives accurate and timely reimbursements with minimum coding errors and audits. Here’s how we can help overcome the challenges of coding CVA cases for you:

• Expertly Trained Coders

Our highly trained medical coders are the primary source of overcoming these challenges. They can easily address the specificity challenge in the coding of stroke types. We have dedicated coding specialists who are thoroughly trained. They are aware of all the nuances of different stroke types.

These types include ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Our coders also stay informed about the latest clinical guidelines and diagnostic criteria. This deep understanding enables them to accurately identify and classify the type of stroke. As a result, they are able to reduce the risk of misclassification.

• Enhanced Collaboration with Clinicians

We have another way to overcome the challenge of determining the exact location of a stroke. Health Quest Billing focuses on an enhanced collaboration with clinicians and healthcare providers. Our coders work closely with physicians and radiologists. They ensure that neuroimaging results and clinical documents align with our coding process.

There can be instances where the imaging results are unclear. In this case, our coders consult directly with the medical team to gain clarity. They ensure that their assigned medical codes accurately reflect the patient’s condition. This collaborative approach minimizes errors and precisely documents the stroke’s location. 

• Strict Documentation Protocols

Health Quest Billing implements strict documentation protocols. These protocols address the complexity of classifying strokes as acute or chronic. They also guide healthcare providers in maintaining their comprehensive and detailed patient records. Those records clearly indicate the timeline and progression of symptoms.

This way, we focus on standardizing our documentation practices. Health Quest Billing also ensures that our coders have the necessary information. They use those details to accurately distinguish between an ongoing acute stroke and its long-term effects. The details reduce ambiguity and support accurate coding.

• Advanced Coding Software and Tools

We also have to manage the complexity of coding multiple strokes. For that, Health Quest Billing utilizes advanced coding software and tools. They enable us to simultaneously track multiple strokes and their respective outcomes.

This way, we can ensure that each event is individually coded with precision. Our coders are also able to distinguish between the strokes occurring in different brain regions. By doing this, they can ensure that all aspects of the patient’s cerebrovascular events are accurately captured.

• Thorough Assessment of Underlying Conditions

We can also link cerebrovascular accidents to underlying conditions. These conditions primarily include hypertension and atrial fibrillation. They are handled with a thorough assessment process at Health Quest Billing. Our coders are trained to carefully evaluate patient records.

In this evaluation, they identify any comorbidities and understand their role in the stroke. This way, they accurately document and link underlying conditions to the cerebrovascular event. Health Quest Billing also ensures that their codes fully reflect the patient’s health status.

The Bottom Line

This blog covered all the ICD-10 codes associated with cerebrovascular accidents. The primary code identified is I67 that is applied to other cerebrovascular diseases. We also covered the challenges associated with assigning relevant ICD 10 codes.

We also saw how Health Quest Billing can help you overcome all those challenges. Contact Health Quest Billing and get all your medical coding concerns eliminated by our experienced coders.