Vascular parkinsonism

This code represents parkinsonism caused by cerebrovascular disease, often characterized by a sudden onset, stepwise progression, and prominent lower-body involvement. It results from brain damage due to impaired blood flow, leading to symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease but typically lacking tremor and responding poorly to levodopa.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "vascular parkinsonism" or describes parkinsonian symptoms directly attributed to a history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or other cerebrovascular events. Supporting documentation should include imaging findings (e.g., MRI showing white matter lesions or lacunar infarcts) consistent with vascular etiology.

• Differentiate from idiopathic Parkinson's disease (G20), which has a different etiology and treatment response.
• Ensure the physician's documentation clearly links the parkinsonian symptoms to a vascular cause.
• Code any underlying cerebrovascular disease (e.g., I69.3xx for sequelae of cerebral infarction) as an additional diagnosis.