Is ICD-10-CM code I68 billable?

No, I68 (Cerebrovascular disorders in diseases classified elsewhere) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code I68 belong to?

I68 belongs to Chapter 9 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: I00–I99 (Diseases of the Circulatory System).

I68Not billable, use a more specific code below

Cerebrovascular disorders in diseases classified elsewhere

In Cerebrovascular diseases (I60-I69), chapter 9: Diseases of the Circulatory System

3 billable codes under I68: 1 is a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Cerebrovascular diseases (I60-I69)

These notes sit on I60-I69 and apply to every code under it, including I68.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (S06.-)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code to identify presence of:
alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)
exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
hypertension (I10-I1A)
occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
tobacco dependence (F17.-)
tobacco use (Z72.0)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers hypertension with heart and kidney disease, coronary artery disease with angina, perioperative stroke, cerebrovascular sequelae, and acute myocardial infarction types and timing.

Hypertension (page 50)
Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease and Angina (page 52)
Intraoperative and Postprocedural Cerebrovascular Accident (page 53)
Sequelae of Cerebrovascular Disease (page 53)
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (page 54)

Read Section I.C.9 (page 50)

All codes under I68

I68 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

I68 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under I68 group to MS-DRG 070, 071, 072, 102, or 103 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 070 Other Cerebrovascular Disorders with MCC (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 071 Other Cerebrovascular Disorders with CC (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 072 Other Cerebrovascular Disorders without CC/MCC (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 102 Headaches with MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 103 Headaches without MCC (1 of 3 codes)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Brain Diseases

Your brain is the control center of your body. It controls your thoughts, memory, speech, and movement. It regulates the function of many organs. It's part of your nervous system, which also includes your spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The nervous system sends signals between your brain and the rest of the body. Your nerves take in information from your senses and send it to the brain to be processed. Your brain and nerves also communicate to help you move and to control your body's functions.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.