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ICD-10 Coding for Cardiopulmonary Arrest(I46.2, I46.8, I46.9, Z86.74)

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

Also known as:

Cardiac ArrestHeart ArrestSudden Cardiac Arrest

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cardiopulmonary Arrest

I46Primary Range

Cardiac arrest

This range includes codes for cardiac arrest due to various causes, both specified and unspecified.

Personal history of sudden cardiac arrest

Used for patients with a history of cardiac arrest.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I46.2Cardiac arrest due to underlying cardiac conditionUse when cardiac arrest is due to a documented cardiac condition.
  • ECG showing VT/VF
  • Elevated troponin (>0.4 ng/mL)
I46.8Cardiac arrest due to non-cardiac causesUse when cardiac arrest is due to non-cardiac causes.
  • ABG with pH <7.2, lactate >4 mmol/L
  • Documented sepsis or respiratory failure
I46.9Cardiac arrest, unspecifiedUse when no specific cause of cardiac arrest is documented.
  • Absence of identifiable cause after workup
Z86.74Personal history of sudden cardiac arrestUse for patients with a documented history of cardiac arrest.
  • Documented history of prior cardiac arrest

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 cardiopulmonary arrest

Essential facts and insights about Cardiopulmonary Arrest

The ICD-10 code for unspecified cardiopulmonary arrest is I46.9. For cardiac causes, use I46.2, and for non-cardiac causes, use I46.8.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cardiopulmonary arrest

Cardiac arrest due to underlying cardiac condition
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of cardiac etiology like MI or heart failure

Applicable To

  • Cardiac arrest due to myocardial infarction
  • Cardiac arrest due to heart failure

Excludes

  • Cardiogenic shock (R57.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ECG showing VT/VF
  • Elevated troponin (>0.4 ng/mL)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying the underlying cardiac condition

Coding Notes

  • Ensure the underlying cardiac condition is documented and coded first.

Ancillary Codes

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

Ventricular fibrillation

I49.01
Use to specify the type of arrhythmia leading to arrest.

Sepsis, unspecified

A41.9
Use to specify sepsis as the underlying cause.

Differential Codes

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

Cardiac arrest due to non-cardiac causes

I46.8
Use when arrest is due to non-cardiac causes like sepsis or hypoxia.

Cardiac arrest due to cardiac causes

I46.2
Use when arrest is due to cardiac conditions like MI.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cardiopulmonary Arrest to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I46.2.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates for documentation., Train staff on documentation requirements.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to unspecified coding, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Use I46.2 or I46.8 based on the documented cause.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Violation of coding rules, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical representation

Mitigation Strategy

Always code the underlying condition first.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of cardiac arrest and underlying conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure training on proper sequencing rules.

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

Documentation Templates for Cardiopulmonary Arrest

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

Code Blue Documentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient identification
  • Time of arrest
  • Witnessed status
  • Initial rhythm
  • Interventions
  • ROSC time

Example Documentation

Patient: John Doe, MRN 12345. Arrest at 10:00 AM, witnessed. Initial rhythm: VF. CPR at 10:01 AM, defibrillation x3. ROSC at 10:15 AM.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient coded, shocks given.
Good Documentation Example
VF arrest at 10:00 AM; 3 defibrillations (200J, 300J, 360J) with ROSC at 10:15 AM. Post-ROSC ECG: ST-elevation in V2-V4. Troponin 8.2 ng/mL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific times, interventions, and outcomes, enhancing clarity and compliance.

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

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