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I60.9
ICD-10-CM
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Find information on subarachnoid hemorrhage diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (I60.x), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices. Learn about SAH symptoms, diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and long-term prognosis. This resource provides essential information for physicians, nurses, coders, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care and management of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Explore relevant information on aneurysm rupture, sentinel headache, neuroimaging for SAH, and differential diagnosis.

Also known as

SAH
Non-traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
subarachnoid hematoma
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Bleeding into the space surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
  • Clinical Signs : Sudden severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness.
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, neurology clinic, neurosurgery department.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I60.9 Coding
I60-I69

Intracranial nonpyogenic hemorrhage

Covers bleeding within the skull, excluding infections.

I67-I67

Other cerebrovascular diseases

Includes various cerebrovascular conditions not specified elsewhere.

I61-I61

Nontraumatic extradural hemorrhage

Bleeding between the skull and dura mater, not due to trauma.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Traumatic SAH?

  • Yes

    SAH with skull fracture?

  • No

    Non-traumatic SAH cause known?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Intracerebral hemorrhage
Subdural hematoma

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document symptom onset: sudden severe headache
  • Record Hunt and Hess grade on presentation
  • Fisher scale CT findings for bleed extent
  • Lumbar puncture results if CT negative
  • Diagnostic angiography findings if performed

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Specificity of SAH Code

    Coding SAH requires specifying traumatic vs. non-traumatic (e.g., aneurysm) etiology for accurate reimbursement and quality reporting.

  • Comorbidity Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of comorbidities like hypertension or coagulopathy impacting SAH severity can lead to undercoding and lost revenue.

  • Sequelae Coding for SAH

    Failing to capture long-term neurological deficits (e.g., cognitive impairment) as sequelae of SAH impacts patient care and resource allocation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document Hunt and Hess grade for SAH severity.
  • Code precise SAH location, laterality using ICD-10-CM.
  • Specify etiology: traumatic vs. non-traumatic SAH.
  • Thorough neuro exam findings improve CDI for SAH.
  • Timely imaging reports crucial for accurate SAH diagnosis coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Sudden onset severe headache documented
  • Neuro exam consistent with SAH findings
  • Noncontrast CT scan brain ordered and reviewed
  • If CT negative, LP for xanthochromia considered

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM I60 coding and appropriate DRG assignment for optimal payer contract negotiation.
  • Coding quality directly impacts Subarachnoid Hemorrhage case mix index CMI, influencing hospital revenue and resource allocation.
  • Timely and specific documentation of SAH severity and procedures (e.g., aneurysm repair) is crucial for accurate billing and higher reimbursement.
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage reporting quality affects hospital performance metrics like mortality rates and readmissions, impacting public rankings and value-based payments.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code I60.x for SAH diagnosis
  • Document SAH location, cause
  • Specify traumatic vs. non-traumatic
  • Use 7th character for encounter
  • Query MD for unclear etiology

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with sudden onset of severe headache, described as "the worst headache of my life," consistent with a suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).  Onset was sudden while [activity at onset, e.g., exercising, at rest].  Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, photophobia, and decreased level of consciousness.  Neurological examination reveals [specific neurological findings, e.g., nuchal rigidity, positive Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs, cranial nerve deficits].  Patient's medical history includes [relevant medical history, e.g., hypertension, smoking, family history of aneurysms].  Differential diagnosis includes migraine, meningitis, intracranial hemorrhage, and cerebral aneurysm.  Initial computed tomography (CT) scan of the head without contrast was performed to evaluate for subarachnoid blood.  If CT is negative and clinical suspicion remains high, lumbar puncture (LP) will be considered to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for xanthochromia and red blood cells.  Cerebral angiography is planned to identify the source of bleeding, such as a ruptured aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (AVM).  Treatment plan includes supportive care, pain management, blood pressure control, and neurosurgical consultation for possible aneurysm clipping or coiling.  Patient's condition is being closely monitored for complications such as vasospasm, hydrocephalus, and seizures.  ICD-10 code I60.9 (Subarachnoid hemorrhage, unspecified) is assigned.  Continued monitoring and reassessment are warranted.