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ICD-10 Coding for Angina Pectoris(I20.0, I20.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Angina Pectoris. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Chest PainStable AnginaUnstable AnginaPrinzmetal Angina

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Angina Pectoris

I20-I25Primary Range

Ischemic heart diseases

This range includes all forms of angina pectoris and related ischemic heart conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I20.0Unstable anginaUse when the patient presents with new or worsening angina symptoms that occur at rest.
  • New onset rest angina
  • Dynamic ST depression on ECG
  • Troponin T 0.01 ng/mL (ref <0.03)
I20.1Angina pectoris with documented spasmUse when coronary spasm is confirmed by angiography.
  • Angiogram showing transient coronary spasm
  • Ergonovine challenge test

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 unstable angina

Essential facts and insights about Angina Pectoris

The ICD-10 code for unstable angina is I20.0, used for new or worsening symptoms at rest.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for angina pectoris

Unstable angina
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of rest angina with ECG changes

Applicable To

  • New-onset angina
  • Crescendo angina

Excludes

  • Acute myocardial infarction (I21.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • New onset rest angina
  • Dynamic ST depression on ECG
  • Troponin T 0.01 ng/mL (ref <0.03)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with myocardial infarction

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly differentiates from myocardial infarction.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other chest pain

R07.89
Use during workup before confirming angina.

Shortness of breath

R06.02
Document if present as a symptom of angina.

Differential Codes

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

Acute myocardial infarction, unspecified

I21.9
Presence of elevated troponin levels and persistent ST elevation.

Other forms of angina pectoris

I20.8
Absence of documented coronary spasm.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Angina Pectoris to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I20.0.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues., Financial: Risk of denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available based on documentation.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on the importance of specificity in coding.

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 Angina Pectoris, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Angina Pectoris

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Angina Pectoris. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Stable angina documentation

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Nature of pain
  • Precipitating factors
  • Response to medications

Example Documentation

Patient experiences substernal pressure lasting 2-3 minutes, provoked by climbing stairs, relieved by rest.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has chest pain.
Good Documentation Example
Substernal pressure lasting 2-3 minutes provoked by climbing 1 flight stairs, completely relieved within 5 minutes of rest.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain, its triggers, and relief measures.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Angina Pectoris? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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