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ICD-10 Coding for Complete Heart Block(I44.2)

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

Also known as:

Third-degree AV BlockComplete AV BlockCHB

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Complete Heart Block

I44-I49Primary Range

Other conduction disorders

This range includes codes for various types of heart block, including complete heart block.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for complete heart block

Essential facts and insights about Complete Heart Block

The ICD-10 code for complete heart block is I44.2, indicating a third-degree AV block.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for complete heart block

Atrioventricular block, complete
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ECG shows no P waves conducted to ventricles.

documentation Criteria

  • Provider documentation explicitly states 'complete heart block'.

Applicable To

  • Complete heart block
  • Third-degree AV block

Excludes

  • High-grade AV block
  • Second-degree AV block

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ECG showing AV dissociation
  • Escape rhythm present
  • No conducted P waves

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with high-grade AV block
  • Incorrectly coding as cardiac arrest for asystole

Coding Notes

  • Ensure ECG findings support the diagnosis of complete heart block.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of cardiac pacemaker

Z95.0
Use when a pacemaker is present due to complete heart block.

Bradycardia, unspecified

R00.1
Use if bradycardia is symptomatic and related to complete heart block.

Differential Codes

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

Second-degree atrioventricular block

I44.1
Second-degree block has some conducted P waves, unlike complete block.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Complete Heart Block to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I44.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure ECG findings are reviewed., Use precise terminology in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Misclassification can result in compliance issues., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Require ECG confirmation of complete heart block.

Impact

Incorrectly coding high-grade AV block as complete heart block.

Mitigation Strategy

Review ECG findings thoroughly.

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

Documentation Templates for Complete Heart Block

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

Inpatient admission for syncope due to complete heart block

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • ECG findings
  • Treatment plan
  • Follow-up care

Example Documentation

Patient admitted with syncope. ECG shows complete AV dissociation. Pacemaker implanted. Follow-up in 4 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with bradycardia, pacemaker placed.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with complete heart block confirmed by ECG, pacemaker placed.
Explanation
The good example specifies the complete heart block diagnosis confirmed by ECG.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Complete Heart Block? Ask your questions below.

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