ICD Code I65.29

ICD code I65.29 is used to classify a medical condition where there is a blockage or narrowing (occlusion and stenosis) of an unspecified carotid artery. The carotid arteries are major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain, neck, and face. This code is utilized in medical billing and documentation to indicate that the specific carotid artery affected is not specified, but there is a significant reduction in blood flow due to the narrowing or blockage. This condition can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of stroke.

When considering the use of the ICD code for occlusion and stenosis of an unspecified carotid artery, healthcare providers should evaluate the following diagnostic criteria and symptoms:

1. Presence of Carotid Bruit: Detection of an abnormal sound in the carotid artery during auscultation, which may indicate turbulent blood flow due to narrowing or blockage.

2. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs): Episodes of temporary neurological dysfunction, such as sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, that resolve within 24 hours, suggesting reduced blood flow to the brain.

3. Stroke Symptoms: Sudden onset of symptoms like facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulties, indicating a potential cerebrovascular event.

4. Dizziness or Vertigo: Episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation that may be associated with reduced blood flow to the brain.

5. Visual Disturbances: Sudden loss of vision or visual field defects, such as amaurosis fugax, which may occur due to emboli from the carotid artery affecting the retinal artery.

6. Headache: Severe, sudden headaches that may be associated with vascular issues in the carotid artery.

7. Imaging Findings: Evidence from diagnostic imaging, such as Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography, showing narrowing or blockage in the carotid artery.

8. Risk Factors: Presence of risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, or a history of cardiovascular disease that increase the likelihood of carotid artery disease.

9. Asymptomatic Detection: Identification of carotid artery stenosis during routine screening or evaluation for other conditions, even in the absence of overt symptoms.

By assessing these criteria and symptoms, healthcare providers can determine the appropriateness of using the ICD code for occlusion and stenosis of an unspecified carotid artery in their documentation and billing processes.

For the ICD code I65.29, which pertains to occlusion and stenosis of an unspecified carotid artery, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. 35301 - Thromboendarterectomy, with or without patch graft, carotid, vertebral, subclavian, by neck incision.

2. 37215 - Transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s), cervical carotid artery, percutaneous; with distal embolic protection.

3. 37216 - Transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s), cervical carotid artery, percutaneous; without distal embolic protection.

4. 0042T - Transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s), extracranial vertebral artery, percutaneous; with distal embolic protection.

5. 0043T - Transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s), extracranial vertebral artery, percutaneous; without distal embolic protection.

These CPT codes are typically used in procedures aimed at addressing carotid artery occlusion and stenosis, and the choice of code would depend on the specific treatment approach and techniques employed by the healthcare provider. Always ensure that the selected CPT code accurately reflects the procedure performed and is supported by appropriate documentation.

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