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ICD-10 Coding for Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Score(I25.84, Z00.00)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Score. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Elevated CAC ScoreCoronary Artery Calcification

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Score

I25.1-I25.9Primary Range

Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease

This range includes codes for coronary atherosclerosis, which is directly related to elevated calcium scores.

Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services

Includes codes for routine health exams and personal history of diseases, relevant for documenting context of CAC scoring.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I25.84Coronary atherosclerosis due to calcified coronary lesionUse when calcification is linked to atherosclerosis.
  • CAC score documented in Agatston units
  • Linkage to atherosclerosis explicitly stated
Z00.00Encounter for general adult medical examination without abnormal findingsUse when CAC scoring is part of a routine health exam.
  • Routine exam context documented

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 elevated calcium score

Essential facts and insights about Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Score

The ICD-10 code for elevated calcium score linked to atherosclerosis is I25.84. Use R94.31 if no linkage is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for elevated calcium score

Coronary atherosclerosis due to calcified coronary lesion
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of calcified coronary lesions with atherosclerosis

Applicable To

  • Coronary artery calcification

Excludes

  • Non-calcified coronary atherosclerosis

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CAC score documented in Agatston units
  • Linkage to atherosclerosis explicitly stated

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for non-atherosclerotic calcification

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links calcification to atherosclerosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of coronary artery disease

Z87.891
Use when there is a history of CAD with new CAC findings.

Differential Codes

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

Abnormal cardiovascular function study

R94.31
Use when calcification is noted without confirmed atherosclerosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Score to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I25.84.

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis or under-treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on specific documentation requirements., Use templates for consistent documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to underpayment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of patient condition severity.

Mitigation Strategy

Use I25.84 as primary if atherosclerosis is confirmed.

Impact

Failure to document linkage between CAC score and atherosclerosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates and training.

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 Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Score, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Score

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Score. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Intermediate risk patient with elevated CAC score

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • CAC score in Agatston units
  • Risk assessment
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

55M with CAC score 325 Agatston units, LDL 145 mg/dL. Initiating statin therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Elevated calcium score noted.
Good Documentation Example
Coronary atherosclerosis with calcified plaque (CAC 275 Agatston units) in 55M with FHx premature CAD.
Explanation
The good example provides specific CAC score and links it to atherosclerosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Elevated Coronary Artery Calcium Score? Ask your questions below.

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