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ICD-10 Coding for Angina(I20.0, I25.11)

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

Also known as:

Chest PainAngina PectorisStable AnginaUnstable AnginaPrinzmetal's Angina

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Angina

I20-I25Primary Range

Ischemic Heart Diseases

This range includes codes for angina and related ischemic heart conditions, covering both stable and unstable forms.

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 unstable angina is the primary reason for admission.
  • Rest angina, crescendo pattern, post-MI angina
  • ST-T changes on ECG
I25.11Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with angina pectorisUse when CAD is the underlying cause of angina.
  • Documented atherosclerosis with exertional chest pain relieved by rest/nitroglycerin.

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

The ICD-10 code for unstable angina is I20.0, used for angina at rest or in a crescendo pattern.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for angina

Unstable angina
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of rest angina or crescendo pattern.

Applicable To

  • Crescendo angina
  • Preinfarction angina

Excludes

  • Angina pectoris with atherosclerosis of coronary artery bypass graft(s) (I25.7-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Rest angina, crescendo pattern, post-MI angina
  • ST-T changes on ECG

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not properly documented as unstable.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies unstable angina characteristics.

Differential Codes

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

Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with angina pectoris

I25.11
Use when CAD is documented as the cause of angina.

Unstable angina

I20.0
Use I20.0 if angina is unstable and not directly linked to CAD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify angina type., Use detailed clinical notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify the type of angina (stable, unstable) and document accordingly.

Impact

High audit risk due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies angina type and clinical findings.

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

Documentation Templates for Angina

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

Documenting unstable angina in a cardiology setting

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Angina characteristics
  • Objective findings
  • Graft status (if applicable)

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 3 episodes of chest pressure at rest, relieved by NTG. ECG shows ST depression.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chest pain, likely cardiac.
Good Documentation Example
Substernal pressure lasting 15 minutes at rest, relieved by 0.4 mg SL nitroglycerin ×3 doses. ECG shows 2 mm ST depression.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the angina characteristics and objective findings.

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

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

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