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ICD-10 Coding for Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm(I71.3, I71.4)

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

Also known as:

AAAAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm

I71.3-I71.6Primary Range

Aortic aneurysm and dissection

This range includes codes for both ruptured and unruptured aortic abdominal aneurysms, which are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment documentation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I71.3Abdominal aortic aneurysm, rupturedUse when imaging confirms rupture with clinical signs of hemodynamic instability.
  • CT showing contrast extravasation
  • Systolic BP <90 mmHg
I71.4Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without ruptureUse for aneurysms identified on imaging without rupture signs.
  • Ultrasound/CTA with ≥3 cm diameter
  • Absence of rupture signs

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 ruptured aortic abdominal aneurysm

Essential facts and insights about Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm

The ICD-10 code for a ruptured aortic abdominal aneurysm is I71.3, requiring imaging confirmation of rupture.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for aortic abdominal aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm, ruptured
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of hypotension and imaging confirmation of rupture

Applicable To

  • Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT showing contrast extravasation
  • Systolic BP <90 mmHg

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unruptured if rupture signs are present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure rupture is confirmed by imaging before coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Essential hypertension

I10
Use if hypertension is documented as a comorbidity.

Atherosclerosis of aorta

I70.1
Use if atherosclerosis is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Dissection of abdominal aorta

I71.02
Presence of intimal flap on imaging differentiates dissection from aneurysm.

Aortic ectasia

I77.81
Aortic dilation <1.5x normal size.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I71.3.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to vague clinical documentation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm specific aneurysm details before coding., Use detailed imaging reports.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement errors., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Confirm full rupture with imaging before using I71.3.

Impact

Inaccurate documentation of rupture status can lead to audit discrepancies.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging and clinical notes are consistent and detailed.

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

Documentation Templates for Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm

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

Emergency Department Note for Ruptured AAA

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Clinical assessment

Example Documentation

Sudden-onset epigastric pain radiating to back. Hypotensive (80/50 mmHg). Known 6.1 cm AAA on last surveillance.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Abdominal pain, possible AAA.
Good Documentation Example
5.2 cm infrarenal AAA without rupture on CTA.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and rupture status, essential for accurate coding.

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

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