ICD-10 Code I61.2 – Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in hemisphere, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I61.2 – Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in hemisphere, unspecified
What it is
This code identifies a spontaneous bleed within the brain tissue in one cerebral hemisphere, without a specified side. Use it when documentation says intracerebral hemorrhage but does not identify the exact hemisphere.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings include sudden neurologic deficit, headache, altered mental status, weakness, speech difficulty, or vomiting, depending on bleed size and location.
When to use this code
Use I61.2 when the record confirms a nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage affecting a cerebral hemisphere and the provider does not specify right or left. It may also fit when imaging or discharge documentation describes a hemispheric hemorrhage without laterality. Do not guess the side if it is not documented.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for traumatic brain hemorrhage or hemorrhage in a different intracranial site. If the documentation specifies a different lobe, ventricle, or hemisphere laterality, check documentation and code the more specific option.
Coding tip
Review imaging and provider notes for laterality before assigning I61.2; if the hemisphere is named, select the more specific code.