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ICD-10 Coding for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm(I71.40, I71.43)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

AAAAortic Aneurysm, Abdominalabdominal aneurysm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

I71.4-I71.6Primary Range

Codes for abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

These codes cover the primary diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysms, including specific locations and rupture status.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I71.40Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture, unspecifiedUse when the specific site of the aneurysm is not documented.
  • Imaging showing aortic diameter ≥3.0 cm
  • No evidence of rupture
I71.43Infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, without ruptureUse when the aneurysm is located below the renal arteries and is not ruptured.
  • Imaging showing infrarenal location
  • Aortic diameter ≥3.0 cm
  • No evidence of rupture

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for abdominal aortic aneurysm

Essential facts and insights about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The ICD-10 code for an abdominal aortic aneurysm without rupture is I71.4-, with specific codes like I71.43 for infrarenal location.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for abdominal aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific site documentation

Applicable To

  • Unspecified site of abdominal aortic aneurysm without rupture

Excludes

  • Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (I71.3-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing aortic diameter ≥3.0 cm
  • No evidence of rupture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Potential for undercoding if specific site is known but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies rupture status to avoid miscoding.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Atherosclerosis

I70.-
Use when atherosclerosis is the underlying cause.

Hypertension

I10
Use if hypertension is present.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm, ruptured

I71.3-
Use when there is evidence of rupture.

Juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture

I71.42
Use when the aneurysm is located at the renal arteries.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I71.40.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm rupture status with imaging., Include rupture status in all clinical documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential loss of revenue due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for specific site documentation if not initially provided.

Impact

High risk of audit if specific site is documented but unspecified code is used.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific site details.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Asymptomatic Infrarenal AAA

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

Required Elements

  • Anatomic location
  • Size
  • Rupture status
  • Etiology

Example Documentation

72M with asymptomatic infrarenal AAA (5.8 cm), atherosclerotic, no rupture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
AAA present.
Good Documentation Example
6.0 cm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, atherosclerotic, without rupture.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, etiology, and rupture status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm? Ask your questions below.

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