2025 ICD-10-CM code I60.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Cerebrovascular diseases - Subarachnoid hemorrhage Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99) Feed
Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, unspecified.
The medical necessity for coding I60.9 is established by the presence of clinical findings consistent with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (severe headache, neurological deficits).Imaging confirmation is essential.The unspecified nature of the hemorrhage’s origin does not negate medical necessity, as long as the diagnosis is supported by clinical presentation and imaging.
Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, or other physician managing the patient's cerebrovascular event.
In simple words: This code describes a type of bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage) that isn't caused by an injury.The exact location of the bleeding isn't known. Doctors may use additional codes to describe other health problems that may have contributed to the bleeding.
This code signifies a nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage where the specific location of the hemorrhage within the intracranial arteries is unknown.It is crucial to utilize additional codes to specify contributing factors such as the NIH Stroke Scale score (R29.7-), hypertension (I10-I1A), alcohol abuse (F10.-), tobacco use (F17.-, Z72.0, Z77.22, Z87.891, Z57.31), or other relevant conditions.This code excludes syphilitic ruptured cerebral aneurysm (A52.05) and sequelae of subarachnoid hemorrhage (I69.0-).
Example 1: A 55-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, and vomiting.Imaging reveals a subarachnoid hemorrhage of unspecified origin.I60.9 is used to code the hemorrhage.Additional codes might include hypertension (I10), if present., A 60-year-old patient with a history of hypertension is admitted with symptoms consistent with a subarachnoid hemorrhage.The location is not precisely identified by imaging, necessitating I60.9.Additional codes may reflect the patient's hypertension (I10) and the NIHSS score (R29.7-)., A 70-year-old patient experiences a sudden, severe headache and collapses.Emergency room imaging reveals subarachnoid hemorrhage, but the specific arterial source remains undetermined.The I60.9 code is assigned.Further codes might indicate the presence of any other comorbidities or contributing factors.
Complete medical history, including risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage (hypertension, family history, etc.).Detailed neurological examination findings.Imaging reports (CT scan, MRI, angiography) specifying the presence of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and any further details on location, if identifiable.Laboratory test results, if any.Documentation of the NIH Stroke Scale score, if applicable.Treatment plan and response to treatment.Discharge summary.
** This code is frequently used when the precise location of the hemorrhage cannot be definitively determined through imaging studies. The use of additional codes is crucial for comprehensive documentation and accurate reimbursement.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurology, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office