Cereb infrc due to unsp occls or stenosis of cerebral artery

This code signifies a stroke resulting from a blockage or narrowing in a cerebral artery other than the carotid or vertebral arteries, where the specific nature of the occlusion or stenosis is not documented. It indicates brain tissue death due to ischemia in a non-specified cerebral vessel.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a cerebral infarction due to an occlusion or stenosis in a cerebral artery, but the specific artery (e.g., middle cerebral, anterior cerebral) or the precise type of blockage (e.g., thrombosis, embolism) is not identified. This is appropriate when the physician's notes indicate an ischemic stroke of unknown etiology or location within the "other cerebral artery" category.

• Avoid using this code if the specific cerebral artery (e.g., middle cerebral artery) or the type of occlusion (e.g., embolism) is documented; more specific codes exist.
• Always sequence this code after any applicable sequelae of cerebrovascular disease if the patient is presenting for treatment of those sequelae.
• Query the provider for more specificity regarding the affected artery and the nature of the occlusion/stenosis if possible, to allow for more precise coding.