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ICD-10 Coding for Enlarged Aorta(I77.810, I77.811)

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

Also known as:

Aortic EctasiaAortic Dilation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Enlarged Aorta

I77.81-I77.819Primary Range

Aortic ectasia codes

These codes are used to classify different types of aortic ectasia based on location.

Aortic aneurysm codes

These codes are used for aortic aneurysms, which are more severe than ectasia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I77.810Thoracic aortic ectasiaUse when thoracic aorta is mildly dilated but not aneurysmal.
  • Thoracic aorta diameter <3 cm
  • Documented as 'ectasia' or 'mild dilation'
I77.811Abdominal aortic ectasiaUse when abdominal aorta is mildly dilated but not aneurysmal.
  • Abdominal aorta diameter <3 cm
  • Documented as 'ectasia' or 'mild dilation'

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 enlarged aorta

Essential facts and insights about Enlarged Aorta

The ICD-10 code for an enlarged aorta is I77.810 for thoracic and I77.811 for abdominal ectasia.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for enlarged aorta

Thoracic aortic ectasia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Thoracic aorta diameter <3 cm

documentation Criteria

  • Documented as 'thoracic aortic ectasia'

Applicable To

  • Mild dilation of thoracic aorta

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Thoracic aorta diameter <3 cm
  • Documented as 'ectasia' or 'mild dilation'

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as aneurysm if diameter is not verified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'ectasia' and location.

Ancillary Codes

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

Congenital bicuspid aortic valve

Q23.1
Use if BAV is present and contributing to ectasia.

Differential Codes

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

Thoracic aortic aneurysm, ruptured

I71.1
Use if the thoracic aorta is ≥3 cm or ruptured.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture

I71.4
Use if the abdominal aorta is ≥3 cm.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Enlarged Aorta to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I77.810.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation standards, Use templates with required fields

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect reimbursement levels., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific I77.81x code based on location.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific location and diameter.

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

Documentation Templates for Enlarged Aorta

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

Radiology report for aortic ectasia

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Aortic diameter measurements
  • Location of ectasia
  • Comparison to previous studies

Example Documentation

CTA shows thoracic aortic ectasia with a diameter of 2.9 cm.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Aorta enlarged.
Good Documentation Example
Thoracic aortic ectasia with a diameter of 2.9 cm, no dissection.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and excludes complications.

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

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