2025 ICD-10-CM code I69.959
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Cerebrovascular diseases - Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99) Feed
Hemiplegia and hemiparesis following unspecified cerebrovascular disease affecting unspecified side.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of documented hemiplegia or hemiparesis following a cerebrovascular event.The residual neurological deficit creates functional impairments that warrant medical attention. The medical necessity for further investigation to determine the type of cerebrovascular disease may also be present if the etiology remains unknown.
The clinical responsibility for this code involves a thorough neurological examination to assess the extent of hemiplegia or hemiparesis, documentation of the prior cerebrovascular event, and potentially additional investigations to determine the underlying cause of the cerebrovascular disease if unknown.Referral to physical therapy or occupational therapy may be necessary for rehabilitation.
- Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99)
- I69.959 falls under the broader category of I69 (Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease), specifically within the subcategory of hemiplegia and hemiparesis following unspecified cerebrovascular disease.
In simple words: This code describes weakness or paralysis on one side of the body that remains after a stroke or other brain blood vessel problem where the exact type of problem isn't known.
This code classifies hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body) and hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body) as sequelae (lasting effects) of an unspecified cerebrovascular disease.The affected side is not specified.This code should be used when the specific type of cerebrovascular disease is unknown or cannot be determined.It is crucial to document the clinical findings supporting the diagnosis of hemiplegia or hemiparesis and the evidence of a prior cerebrovascular event.
Example 1: A 65-year-old patient presents with right-sided hemiparesis following an episode of sudden weakness three months prior.The initial imaging studies were inconclusive regarding the specific type of cerebrovascular event. I69.959 is used to code the residual hemiparesis., A 72-year-old patient experienced a cerebrovascular accident with unclear etiology six months ago.The patient now exhibits left-sided hemiplegia. I69.959 is appropriately used because the initial event's nature remains unspecified., An 80-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and diabetes presents with right-sided weakness.Medical records indicate a past cerebrovascular event but lack specifics about the type of stroke. I69.959 is coded to reflect the residual hemiparesis following an unspecified cerebrovascular disease.
Detailed neurological examination documenting the presence and extent of hemiplegia or hemiparesis, including muscle strength testing, reflexes, and sensory evaluation.Medical records should clearly indicate a prior cerebrovascular event, even if the specific type remains unknown.Imaging studies (CT scan, MRI) performed at the time of the initial event should be reviewed.Progress notes should chart the patient's functional abilities and response to any rehabilitation therapies.
** This code is primarily for use when the specific type of cerebrovascular disease that caused the hemiplegia or hemiparesis is unknown or cannot be definitively determined from available documentation.Always review the complete clinical picture to ensure the most accurate code assignment.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurology, physiatry, internal medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, Office, Home Health