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ICD-10 Coding for Atrial Thrombus(I51.3, I23.6)

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

Also known as:

Intracardiac ThrombusLeft Atrial Appendage Thrombus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Atrial Thrombus

I51-I52Primary Range

Other heart diseases

This range includes codes for various heart diseases, including intracardiac thrombus not elsewhere classified.

Certain current complications following acute myocardial infarction

This range includes codes for complications such as thrombosis following an AMI.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I51.3Intracardiac thrombus, not elsewhere classifiedUse when thrombus is confirmed in the atrium and not related to recent AMI.
  • Imaging confirmation of thrombus location and size
  • TEE findings with SEC grade ≥3
I23.6Thrombosis of atrium following AMIUse when thrombus is a complication of a recent AMI.
  • Documentation linking thrombus to recent AMI

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: How is atrial thrombus coded in ICD-10?

Essential facts and insights about Atrial Thrombus

Atrial thrombus is coded as I51.3 if unrelated to AMI, and I23.6 if it is a complication following AMI.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for atrial thrombus

Intracardiac thrombus, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed thrombus in atrium via imaging

coding Criteria

  • Thrombus not related to recent AMI

Applicable To

  • Left atrial appendage thrombus unrelated to AMI

Excludes

  • Thrombosis of atrium following AMI (I23.6)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of thrombus location and size
  • TEE findings with SEC grade ≥3

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding historical thrombus as active

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies current thrombus status and location.

Ancillary Codes

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

Atrial fibrillation subtypes

I48.XX
Use to specify the type of atrial fibrillation present with the thrombus.

Long-term anticoagulant use

Z79.01
Use if the patient is on anticoagulation therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Thrombosis of atrium following AMI

I23.6
Use only if thrombus is a direct complication of a recent AMI.

Intracardiac thrombus, not elsewhere classified

I51.3
Use when thrombus is not related to AMI.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Atrial Thrombus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I51.3.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's current condition., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify current status of thrombus before coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use I23.6 if thrombus is related to AMI.

Impact

Risk of incorrect code selection for thrombus related to AMI.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation review linking thrombus to AMI.

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

Documentation Templates for Atrial Thrombus

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

Atrial thrombus with atrial fibrillation

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Thrombus location and size
  • Imaging confirmation
  • Anticoagulation status

Example Documentation

Persistent atrial fibrillation with left atrial appendage thrombus confirmed by TEE.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Thrombus seen in atrium.
Good Documentation Example
1.2 cm sessile thrombus in left atrial appendage (TEE), SEC grade 3, with paroxysmal AF.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the thrombus and its confirmation.

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

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