ICD-10 Code I65.09 – Occlusion and stenosis of unspecified vertebral artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I65.09 – Occlusion and stenosis of unspecified vertebral artery
What it is
I65.09 identifies narrowing or blockage of a vertebral artery when the affected side is not specified. Use it for documented vertebral artery occlusion or stenosis without laterality.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have vertebrobasilar ischemic symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, unsteady gait, or transient neurologic deficits, but imaging or provider assessment should confirm the diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record states vertebral artery stenosis or occlusion and does not identify the right or left artery. It also fits when the provider documents an unspecified vertebral artery lesion confirmed by imaging or specialist evaluation. Code the condition only when it is actively assessed or treated as a diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use I65.09 if the documentation specifies the right or left vertebral artery; choose the laterality-specific code instead. Do not assign it for vertebral artery dissection, embolism, or transient symptoms without documented stenosis or occlusion.
Coding tip
Check the report for laterality first; if it is missing, verify that the provider truly means unspecified vertebral artery disease.