ICD-10 Code I63.13 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of carotid artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.13 – Cerebral infarction due to embolism of carotid artery
What it is
I63.13 identifies an ischemic stroke caused by an embolus that blocks a carotid artery and leads to brain tissue infarction. Use this code when the record clearly links the cerebral infarction to carotid artery embolism.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical stroke findings may include sudden unilateral weakness, speech difficulty, facial droop, visual loss, or altered sensation, but the chart should confirm the carotid embolic source.
When to use this code
Use I63.13 when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to embolism of the carotid artery, such as after imaging or specialist assessment. Code it for the acute infarct episode, not for a history of stroke alone. If the source vessel is not specified, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cerebral infarction from a non-carotid source. If the note only says “stroke” or “CVA” without etiology, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm both the infarction and the carotid embolic cause in the provider note before coding I63.13.