ICD-10 Coding for Cardiorespiratory Arrest(I46.9, I46.2, I46.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cardiorespiratory Arrest. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cardiorespiratory Arrest
I46Primary Range
Cardiac arrest
This range includes codes for cardiac arrest, which is the primary condition in cardiorespiratory arrest.
Personal history of sudden cardiac arrest
Used to document history of cardiac arrest after the acute phase has resolved.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| I46.9 | Cardiac arrest, unspecified | Use when the cause of cardiac arrest is unknown after a thorough workup. |
|
| I46.2 | Cardiac arrest due to underlying cardiac condition | Use when cardiac arrest is directly linked to a cardiac condition like myocardial infarction. |
|
| I46.8 | Cardiac arrest due to other underlying condition | Use when cardiac arrest is due to a non-cardiac cause. |
|
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 cardiorespiratory arrest
Essential facts and insights about Cardiorespiratory Arrest
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cardiorespiratory arrest
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- No identifiable cause after investigation
Applicable To
- Cardiac arrest NOS
Excludes
- Cardiogenic shock (R57.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Non-perfusing rhythm confirmed by ECG or defibrillator
- Absence of pulse and respiration
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-documentation if underlying cause is not explored
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation excludes other causes before using I46.9.
I46.2 - Cardiac arrest due to underlying cardiac condition
Use when cardiac arrest is directly linked to a cardiac condition like myocardial infarction.
Applicable To
- Cardiac arrest due to myocardial infarction
Excludes
- Cardiogenic shock (R57.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ECG showing ST elevation
- Troponin levels indicating myocardial infarction
Coding Notes
Sequence the underlying cardiac condition before I46.2.
I46.8 - Cardiac arrest due to other underlying condition
Use when cardiac arrest is due to a non-cardiac cause.
Applicable To
- Cardiac arrest due to non-cardiac causes like drowning
Excludes
- Cardiogenic shock (R57.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of non-cardiac cause such as drowning or electrolyte imbalance
Coding Notes
Sequence the non-cardiac condition before I46.8.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cardiorespiratory Arrest to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I46.9.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts understanding of arrest circumstances., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to incomplete records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure witness status is always documented., Use templates to guide documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.
Mitigation Strategy
Use I46.x codes until the acute phase resolves.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement., Compliance: Violation of ICD-10 coding rules., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Do not code R57.0 with I46.x due to Excludes2 note.
Impact
Failure to sequence underlying conditions before cardiac arrest codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate coders 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 Cardiorespiratory Arrest, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cardiorespiratory Arrest
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cardiorespiratory Arrest. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Cardiac Arrest
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Time of arrest
- Witness status
- Initial rhythm
- Interventions
- ROSC time
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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