ICD-10 Code for Stroke

The default ICD-10-CM 2027 code for stroke (apoplectic) (brain) (ischemic) (paralytic) is I63.9 – Cerebral infarction, unspecified. More specific codes depend on the details documented, as listed in the official index (11 codes, 6 billable).

Main code: I63.9 – Cerebral infarction, unspecified
Billable: Yes

Index entries for Stroke

cerebral, perinatal – P91.82- (header)
cerebrovascular (ischemic) – I63.9
- chronic (old) (remote) (imaging) (without sequelae) – Z86.73
  - with residual defects – see Sequelae, disease, cerebrovascular
- embolic – I63.- (header)
- thrombolic – I63.- (header)
cryptogenic – I63.9 – see also infarction, cerebral
epileptic – see Epilepsy
heat – T67.01 (header)
- exertional – T67.02 (header)
- specified NEC – T67.09 (header)
in evolution – I63.9
intraoperative
- during cardiac surgery – I97.810
- during other surgery – I97.811
ischemic, perinatal arterial – P91.82- (header)
lightning – see Lightning
meaning
- cerebral hemorrhage - code to Hemorrhage, intracranial
- cerebral infarction - code to Infarction, cerebral
neonatal – P91.82- (header)
postprocedural
- following cardiac surgery – I97.820
- following other surgery – I97.821
sun – T67.01 (header)
- specified NEC – T67.09 (header)
unspecified (NOS) – I63.9

How to choose the right code

Start with the main term, then pick the indented subterm that matches the documentation (type, cause, site, laterality, episode of care). Always confirm the code in the tabular list: follow its Excludes1/Excludes2, “code first” and “use additional code” notes, and add a 7th character where required.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 alphabetic index.