Code for lacunar stroke

Medicare denied my code 434.91 (lacunar stroke) as not being specific. Does anyone know what specific code I'd use for lacunar stroke? Thanks.

diagnosis code

Example, 433.10 lacunar stroke syndrome without evidence of infarction on CT, if it applies. You code what is documented. Probably want a precerebral artery specific 4th digit, but as I said you code what is documented and ask physician to be specific.

Thank you

Thanks very much. I will do that. He just writes the codes down and I transpose them to HCFAs.

I don't get it

Nancy, Why would they deny a valid 5 digit code?

denial

They shouldn't, but if they have a coverage determination that does not include that specific code, they may. I would pursue, the squeaky wheel!!!