ICD-10-PCS Code For Internal Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) code group B328 includes procedures performed to image the internal carotid arteries using computerized tomography in the upper arterial system. These ICD-10-PCS codes are used for inpatient documentation when multiplanar reformatted digital displays from multiple external ionizing radiation exposures are generated to evaluate bilateral internal carotid artery anatomy or pathology. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-PCS B328 group is essential for proper inpatient reimbursement, as it captures the specific imaging procedure performed and supports clinical documentation accuracy.

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Internal Carotid Arteries Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

This procedure group includes computerized tomography imaging of the bilateral internal carotid arteries, a component of the upper arterial system. These studies use reformatted multiplanar digital displays derived from multiple external ionizing radiation exposures to visualize vascular anatomy and pathology. Accurate ICD-10-PCS coding for these CT procedures ensures inpatient records reflect the exact diagnostic imaging performed and supports appropriate case-mix assignment and payment.

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
B	Section	Imaging
3	Body System	Upper Arteries
2	Operation	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
8	Body Part	Internal Carotid Arteries, Bilateral

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Internal Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Internal Carotid Arteries Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
B	Section	Imaging
3	Body System	Upper Arteries
2	Operation	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)
8	Body Part	Internal Carotid Arteries, Bilateral

When to Use

Use a code from this group when a CT scan with computerized reformatted multiplanar images of both internal carotid arteries is performed during an inpatient stay. Typical clinical circumstances include evaluation of suspected carotid stenosis, dissection, aneurysm, or preoperative vascular planning requiring detailed arterial visualization.

ICD-10-PCS Codes

5 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
B3280ZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries using High Osmolar Contrast
B3281ZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries using Low Osmolar Contrast
B328YZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries using Other Contrast
B328Z2Z	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries using Intravascular Optical Coherence
B328ZZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An elderly patient is admitted with sudden onset right-sided weakness and expressive aphasia; non-contrast head CT suggests acute ischemia and vascular imaging is needed to assess for high-grade bilateral carotid stenosis as part of acute stroke workup and intervention planning. A contrast-enhanced CT with reformatted multiplanar images of both internal carotid arteries is performed to delineate plaque morphology and luminal narrowing. The study uses low osmolar intravascular contrast appropriate for inpatient vascular CT angiography to guide potential endovascular or surgical management. Typical codes: B3281ZZ
A middle-aged patient is admitted electively for preoperative vascular mapping prior to planned carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic bilateral carotid disease. High-resolution CT with multiplanar reformatted displays of both internal carotid arteries is obtained to define anatomy, extent of atherosclerotic plaque, and relationship to branch vessels. The study uses high osmolar contrast per institutional protocol for detailed arterial opacification during inpatient preoperative imaging. Typical codes: B3280ZZ
A patient previously treated for carotid dissection presents with new pulsatile tinnitus and concern for an enlarging pseudoaneurysm; inpatient imaging is required to evaluate the bilateral internal carotid arteries for growth or recurrence. A CT study producing reformatted multiplanar images is performed without standard contrast selection recorded or when no specialized contrast category applies, to compare with prior exams and plan further management. The imaging documents current arterial anatomy and guides decisions about endovascular repair. Typical codes: B328YZZ, B328ZZZ

ICD-10-PCS Code For Thoracic Aorta: Procedure Code Group Overview

B325-COMMON-CAROTID-ARTERIES-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Common Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

B32G-VERTEBRAL-ARTERIES-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Vertebral Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

B32R-INTRACRANIAL-ARTERIES-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Intracranial Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

B32S-PULMONARY-ARTERY-COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Pulmonary Artery, Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

B32T-PULMONARY-ARTERY-LEFT-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Pulmonary Artery, Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

5 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
B3280ZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries using High Osmolar Contrast
B3281ZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries using Low Osmolar Contrast
B328YZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries using Other Contrast
B328Z2Z	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries using Intravascular Optical Coherence
B328ZZZ	Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) of Bilateral Internal Carotid Arteries

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An elderly patient is admitted with sudden onset right-sided weakness and expressive aphasia; non-contrast head CT suggests acute ischemia and vascular imaging is needed to assess for high-grade bilateral carotid stenosis as part of acute stroke workup and intervention planning. A contrast-enhanced CT with reformatted multiplanar images of both internal carotid arteries is performed to delineate plaque morphology and luminal narrowing. The study uses low osmolar intravascular contrast appropriate for inpatient vascular CT angiography to guide potential endovascular or surgical management. Typical codes: B3281ZZ
A middle-aged patient is admitted electively for preoperative vascular mapping prior to planned carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic bilateral carotid disease. High-resolution CT with multiplanar reformatted displays of both internal carotid arteries is obtained to define anatomy, extent of atherosclerotic plaque, and relationship to branch vessels. The study uses high osmolar contrast per institutional protocol for detailed arterial opacification during inpatient preoperative imaging. Typical codes: B3280ZZ
A patient previously treated for carotid dissection presents with new pulsatile tinnitus and concern for an enlarging pseudoaneurysm; inpatient imaging is required to evaluate the bilateral internal carotid arteries for growth or recurrence. A CT study producing reformatted multiplanar images is performed without standard contrast selection recorded or when no specialized contrast category applies, to compare with prior exams and plan further management. The imaging documents current arterial anatomy and guides decisions about endovascular repair. Typical codes: B328YZZ, B328ZZZ

ICD-10-PCS Code For Thoracic Aorta: Procedure Code Group Overview

B325-COMMON-CAROTID-ARTERIES-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Common Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

B32G-VERTEBRAL-ARTERIES-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Vertebral Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

B32R-INTRACRANIAL-ARTERIES-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Intracranial Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

B32S-PULMONARY-ARTERY-COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Pulmonary Artery, Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

B32T-PULMONARY-ARTERY-LEFT-COMPUTERIZED-TOMOGRAPHY

ICD-10-PCS Code For Pulmonary Artery, Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Internal Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Internal Carotid Arteries Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

OpenPayer

ICD-10-PCS Code For Internal Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Internal Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Internal Carotid Arteries Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

References

ICD-10-PCS Code For Internal Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Internal Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Internal Carotid Arteries Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

ICD-10-PCS Code For Internal Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Internal Carotid Arteries: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Internal Carotid Arteries Computerized Tomography Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which procedures are included in the ICD-10-PCS B328 code group?

What operation and body system are represented by the B328 codes?

How does accurate coding in the B328 group affect inpatient records?

Do the B328 codes specify contrast usage?

Are there related DRGs listed for the B328 procedure group?

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which procedures are included in the ICD-10-PCS B328 code group?

What operation and body system are represented by the B328 codes?

How does accurate coding in the B328 group affect inpatient records?

Do the B328 codes specify contrast usage?

Are there related DRGs listed for the B328 procedure group?

References