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ICD-10 Coding for Bradyarrhythmia(R00.1, I49.5)

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

Also known as:

Slow heart rateBradycardia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bradyarrhythmia

R00-R09Primary Range

Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

This range includes codes for bradycardia, which is a primary symptom of bradyarrhythmia.

Conduction disorders and cardiac arrhythmias

This range includes specific arrhythmias like sick sinus syndrome and AV blocks that are related to bradyarrhythmia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R00.1Bradycardia, unspecifiedUse when bradycardia is symptomatic and not due to sick sinus syndrome.
  • Heart rate <60 BPM with symptoms such as syncope or dizziness
  • ECG confirmation of sinus bradycardia
I49.5Sick sinus syndromeUse when there is documented sinus node dysfunction with tachy-brady syndrome.
  • ECG or Holter monitor showing sinus pauses >3 seconds
  • Symptoms of tachy-brady syndrome

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 bradyarrhythmia

Essential facts and insights about Bradyarrhythmia

The ICD-10 code for bradyarrhythmia includes R00.1 for unspecified bradycardia and I49.5 for sick sinus syndrome.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bradyarrhythmia

Bradycardia, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Heart rate <60 BPM with symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Document ECG findings and symptoms

Applicable To

  • Sinus bradycardia

Excludes

  • Sick sinus syndrome (I49.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Heart rate <60 BPM with symptoms such as syncope or dizziness
  • ECG confirmation of sinus bradycardia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if underlying cause is not documented
  • Potential undercoding if symptoms are not linked

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies symptoms and correlates them with ECG findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Adverse effect of beta-blockers

T45.015A
Use when bradycardia is due to medication effects.

Unspecified atrial fibrillation

I48.91
Use when atrial fibrillation is present with sick sinus syndrome.

Differential Codes

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

Sick sinus syndrome

I49.5
Use I49.5 when there is evidence of sinus node dysfunction with tachy-brady syndrome.

Bradycardia, unspecified

R00.1
Use R00.1 for symptomatic bradycardia without sinus node dysfunction.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bradyarrhythmia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R00.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Could result in audit failures., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed symptom documentation, Link symptoms to diagnostic findings

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper reimbursement rates., Compliance: May result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data records.

Mitigation Strategy

Differentiate based on ECG findings and symptoms

Impact

Failure to document underlying conditions can lead to audit discrepancies.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices for all underlying conditions.

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

Documentation Templates for Bradyarrhythmia

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

Bradycardia with syncope

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Symptoms description
  • ECG findings
  • Underlying conditions
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

Patient presents with syncope. ECG shows sinus bradycardia at 48 BPM. TSH elevated. Symptoms resolved with atropine.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has slow heart rate.
Good Documentation Example
Symptomatic sinus bradycardia (HR 52 BPM) with exertional fatigue. 24-hour Holter confirms average HR 49 BPM.
Explanation
The good example provides specific heart rate values, symptoms, and diagnostic test results.

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

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

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