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Z86.73
ICD-10-CM
History of Stroke

Find comprehensive information on documenting a history of stroke for accurate clinical care and medical coding. This resource covers key aspects of stroke diagnosis, including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), risk factors, symptoms, and long-term effects. Learn about proper documentation for past medical history, family history, and social history related to stroke. Explore relevant ICD-10 codes, clinical terminology, and best practices for healthcare professionals involved in stroke care and coding.

Also known as

History of Cerebrovascular Accident
Hx of Stroke
Past Stroke
+2 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Brain damage due to interrupted blood supply.
  • Clinical Signs : Sudden weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, vision changes, dizziness, severe headache.
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, stroke unit, inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z86.73 Coding
I63.0-I63.9

Cerebral infarction

History of stroke due to blockage of blood flow.

I61.0-I61.9

Intracerebral hemorrhage

History of stroke due to bleeding within the brain.

I60.0-I60.9

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

History of stroke due to bleeding around the brain.

I67.89

Other cerebrovascular disease

History of stroke not otherwise specified.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the stroke current/active?

  • Yes

    Do NOT code as history of stroke. Code the acute stroke. See guidelines for I60-I69.

  • No

    Is there late effect of stroke?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
History of Stroke
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Stroke diagnosis documentation: ICD-10 code, type, acuity
  • Document stroke laterality: Left, right, or bilateral
  • Symptom onset time: Precise date and time crucial
  • NIHSS score on admission: Document severity objectively
  • Evidence of prior stroke: Imaging or clinical history

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Stroke Type

    Coding I63.9 (Stroke, unspecified) without sufficient documentation specifying ischemic vs. hemorrhagic can lead to inaccurate DRG assignment and payment.

  • Late Effect vs. Acute Stroke

    Incorrectly coding a late effect of stroke (I69.-) as an acute stroke (I63.-) can impact quality reporting and resource utilization.

  • Missing Stroke Sequelae

    Failing to code associated neurological deficits or sequelae of stroke can underrepresent patient complexity and affect reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document stroke type: ischemic, hemorrhagic, or unspecified.
  • Specify stroke laterality: left, right, or bilateral.
  • Code accurately using ICD-10-CM codes (I60-I69).
  • Record date of last stroke for accurate risk assessment.
  • For recurrent strokes, document each occurrence separately.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm documented brain infarction AND neurological deficit.
  • Verify symptom onset time and duration for acute vs. chronic.
  • Check imaging reports (CT, MRI) for ischemic or hemorrhagic event.
  • Review medical history for prior TIA or stroke diagnosis.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • **Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary: History of Stroke**
  • **Keywords:** Stroke diagnosis coding, ICD-10 I63.x, medical billing compliance, risk adjustment, quality reporting, hospital reimbursement, cerebral infarction, cerebrovascular accident, secondary stroke prevention
  • **Impacts:**
  • Improved risk adjustment coding accuracy = higher reimbursement.
  • Accurate stroke history coding impacts quality metrics for secondary prevention.
  • Complete stroke documentation supports appropriate resource allocation and care planning.
  • Accurate coding facilitates data analysis for stroke research and public health initiatives.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code I63.x for stroke sequelae
  • Document stroke type/laterality
  • Specify acute vs. chronic
  • Query physician for clarity
  • Use Z86.73 for history

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA), consistent with a past stroke.  Onset of initial stroke symptoms occurred on [Date of Onset].  The patient reports [Specific symptoms experienced during the initial stroke event e.g., right-sided weakness, aphasia, dysphagia, visual field deficits].  The type of stroke was determined to be [Ischemic, Hemorrhagic, or unspecified] based on [Diagnostic method used e.g., MRI, CT scan, clinical presentation].  Current residual deficits include [List current symptoms and their severity e.g., mild right-sided hemiparesis, expressive aphasia].  The patient's current functional status is [Describe functional level e.g., independent in activities of daily living, requires assistance with ambulation].  Medications related to stroke management include [List medications, dosages, and frequencies e.g., Aspirin 81mg daily, Atorvastatin 40mg daily].  Blood pressure is currently well-controlled at [Systolic/Diastolic reading].  Neurological examination reveals [Current neurological findings].  Risk factors for stroke include [List relevant risk factors e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, smoking history].  Patient is advised to continue current medications and follow up with neurology for ongoing management of stroke sequelae.  Recommendations provided for [Lifestyle modifications, therapy services e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy]. This documentation supports ICD-10 code I69.4 (Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease) and reflects ongoing chronic care management for history of stroke. Future assessments will focus on monitoring for recurrent stroke, optimizing functional recovery, and managing vascular risk factors.
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