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
Cerebral infarction
History of stroke due to blockage of blood flow.
Intracerebral hemorrhage
History of stroke due to bleeding within the brain.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
History of stroke due to bleeding around the brain.
Other cerebrovascular disease
History of stroke not otherwise specified.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
History of Stroke |
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) |
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage |
Coding I63.9 (Stroke, unspecified) without sufficient documentation specifying ischemic vs. hemorrhagic can lead to inaccurate DRG assignment and payment.
Incorrectly coding a late effect of stroke (I69.-) as an acute stroke (I63.-) can impact quality reporting and resource utilization.
Failing to code associated neurological deficits or sequelae of stroke can underrepresent patient complexity and affect reimbursement.
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.