ICD-10 Code I65.21 – Occlusion and stenosis of right carotid artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I65.21 – Occlusion and stenosis of right carotid artery
What it is
This code identifies narrowing or blockage of the right carotid artery, the major vessel supplying blood to the brain. It is used when the right side is specifically documented and the condition is not due to acute stroke.
Clinical signs
Patients may have no symptoms or may present with transient neurologic symptoms such as weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, or vision changes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use I65.21 when the record clearly states occlusion or stenosis of the right carotid artery, including imaging-confirmed disease. It also applies when the provider documents carotid narrowing without describing an acute cerebral infarction. You should code the documented laterality exactly as written.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for left or bilateral carotid disease, or when the chart only mentions carotid plaque without stenosis. Check documentation if the condition is part of an acute stroke or another vascular disorder.
Coding tip
Verify laterality and whether the finding is occlusion, stenosis, or both before assigning the code.