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ICD-10 Coding for Atrioventricular Block(I44.0, I44.1, I44.2)

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

Also known as:

AV BlockHeart Block

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Atrioventricular Block

I44.0-I44.2Primary Range

Atrioventricular and left bundle-branch block

This range includes all degrees of atrioventricular block, which are the primary focus of this documentation.

Presence of cardiac pacemaker

Used when a pacemaker is present in patients with AV block.

Hyperkalemia

Used when hyperkalemia is a contributing factor to AV block.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I44.0First-degree atrioventricular blockUse when documentation specifies first-degree AV block with a PR interval >0.20s.
  • ECG showing PR interval consistently >0.20s
I44.1Second-degree atrioventricular blockUse when documentation specifies Mobitz I or II with corresponding ECG findings.
  • ECG showing non-conducted P waves with fixed PR intervals
I44.2Complete atrioventricular blockUse when documentation specifies complete AV block with ECG confirmation.
  • ECG showing complete dissociation of P waves and QRS complexes

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 atrioventricular block

Essential facts and insights about Atrioventricular Block

The ICD-10 codes for atrioventricular block range from I44.0 to I44.2, covering first-degree, second-degree, and complete AV block.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for atrioventricular block

First-degree atrioventricular block
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PR interval >0.20s on ECG

Applicable To

  • PR interval >0.20s

Excludes

  • Second-degree AV block
  • Complete AV block

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ECG showing PR interval consistently >0.20s

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as higher-degree block

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies PR interval duration.

Ancillary Codes

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

Syncope

R55
Use when syncope is documented alongside Mobitz II.

Presence of cardiac pacemaker

Z95.0
Use when a pacemaker is present.

Differential Codes

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

Second-degree atrioventricular block

I44.1
Presence of non-conducted P waves with fixed PR intervals.

First-degree atrioventricular block

I44.0
Consistent PR interval >0.20s without dropped beats.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Atrioventricular Block to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I44.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential underbilling

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology like 'Mobitz II', Include ECG findings in documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incomplete coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Code all coexisting blocks (I44.0 + I44.1 + I44.2).

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Potential audit risk., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of clinical severity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies type of block and corresponding ECG findings.

Impact

Failure to code all coexisting blocks can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports all coded blocks.

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

Documentation Templates for Atrioventricular Block

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

Cardiology Progress Note (Post-Pacemaker)

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • History of AV block
  • Pacemaker interrogation results
  • Current symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient with history of I44.1 (Mobitz II) s/p dual-chamber pacemaker implantation (Z95.0). Interrogation shows 100% ventricular pacing. No syncope since implantation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has pacemaker.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with history of Mobitz II AV block, s/p pacemaker implantation, interrogation shows 100% ventricular pacing.
Explanation
The good example provides specific history and pacemaker interrogation details.

ED Encounter for Symptomatic Bradycardia

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • ECG findings
  • Serum potassium levels
  • Treatment provided

Example Documentation

ECG shows 2:1 AV block with QRS 120ms. Serum K+ 6.2 mmol/L (E87.5). Treated with calcium gluconate and insulin. Resolution to sinus rhythm post-treatment.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient treated for bradycardia.
Good Documentation Example
ECG shows 2:1 AV block, serum K+ 6.2 mmol/L, treated with calcium gluconate and insulin.
Explanation
The good example includes specific ECG findings and treatment details.

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