ICD-10 Code I63.232 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of left carotid arteries (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I63.232 – Cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of left carotid arteries
What it is
This code identifies an ischemic stroke caused by reduced or blocked blood flow in the left carotid arteries, when the exact type of occlusion or stenosis is not specified. Use it when documentation links the infarction to the left carotid circulation.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings of cerebral infarction may include sudden focal neurologic deficits such as weakness, speech disturbance, facial droop, visual loss, or sensory changes.
When to use this code
Use I63.232 when the provider documents cerebral infarction due to unspecified occlusion or stenosis of the left carotid arteries. It applies when the stroke is attributed to the left carotid source, but the note does not specify whether the lesion is occlusive or stenotic. Check documentation if laterality, mechanism, or vessel detail is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for infarction without documented left carotid involvement, or when the stroke is due to another artery or cause. Check documentation if the chart describes hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack, or an unspecified stroke subtype.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider links the infarction to the left carotid arteries before assigning this code.