Radiology Coding Alert

Hint: Site and side of the bleed guide you to the correct code.

Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage has specific codes in ICD-10. Look at the I60.XX series codes. These codes, though plenty in number, are easy to conquer if know how to make your way through. Below are the two most important steps that will guide you to the most appropriate diagnosis code.

Step 1: Determine the Site of the Bleed

Your first guide to the right code for subarachnoid hemorrhage which is not a consequence of trauma is to determine the site of the bleed in the cerebral circulation. Your first step is to determine if the site of the bleed was the vertebral artery, basilar artery, anterior or posterior communicating artery, middle cerebral artery, carotid artery, or other intracranial arteries.

Step 2: Confirm If the Bleed Was Left or Right Sided

The next important step is to check in the clinical note if the hemorrhage was on the right or the left side of the head.

Note: If, however, your surgeon does not mention the side of the hemorrhage, you may report the unspecified codes for different sites.

Take this quick quiz to strengthen your understanding of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage coding.

Question 1: Which of the following ICD-10 codes do you submit for nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from carotid bifurcation?

a) I60.00
b) I60.01
c) I60.02
d) I60.04

Question 2: Which of the following ICD-10 codes do you submit for nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from basilar artery?

a) I60.1
b) I60.4
c) I60.5
d) I60.3

Question 3: Which of the following ICD-10 codes do you submit for nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from right middle cerebral artery?

a) I60.10
b) I60.11
c) I60.50
d) I60.51

Question 4: Which of the following ICD-10 codes do you submit for the diagnosis of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from right posterior communicating artery?

a) I60.21
b) I60.31
c) I60.22
d) I60.33

Question 5: Which of the following ICD-10 codes do you submit when your surgeon does not document the location of the bleed?

a) I60.40
b) I60.50
c) I60.6
d) I60.7