I60.7

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

Bleeding in the space between the brain and its protective membrane (subarachnoid space) caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, where the specific artery responsible is not identified. This is a serious condition that occurs without head trauma.

Coding Tips

• •Use this code only when the documentation does not specify which intracranial artery caused the hemorrhage; if the artery is identified (e.g., anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery), use the more specific I60.0-I60.6 codes instead
• •This code requires a seventh character extension to indicate the episode of care (A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter, S for sequela); verify the appropriate character is appended for accurate claim submission

Clinical Significance

Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from unspecified intracranial artery is the least specific subarachnoid hemorrhage code, used when the source artery cannot be identified. This may occur when imaging is inconclusive or not yet performed. While it still captures the severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage, specificity should always be pursued once imaging is complete.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Provider must document nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage
• ✓Documentation should explain why the specific artery cannot be identified (imaging pending, inconclusive, or multiple potential sources)
• ✓Computed tomography confirmation of subarachnoid hemorrhage
• ✓Neurological status assessment
• ✓Plan for further imaging to identify source (computed tomography angiography, conventional angiography)
• ✓Severity grading and treatment plan

Commonly Confused Codes