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ICD-10 Coding for Heart Transplant(T86.21, Z94.1)

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

Also known as:

Cardiac TransplantHeart Graft

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Heart Transplant

T86.2-Primary Range

Complications of heart transplant

This range includes codes for complications related to heart transplants, such as rejection and failure.

Heart transplant status

This code is used to indicate the status of a heart transplant without complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
T86.21Heart transplant rejectionUse when there is documented evidence of rejection in a transplanted heart.
  • Biopsy showing rejection
  • Elevated BNP levels
  • Decreased LVEF
Z94.1Heart transplant statusUse for routine follow-up visits without complications.
  • Patient history of heart transplant
  • No active complications

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 heart transplant status

Essential facts and insights about Heart Transplant

The ICD-10 code for heart transplant status is Z94.1, used for routine follow-up without complications.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for heart transplant

Heart transplant rejection
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Biopsy confirms rejection

documentation Criteria

  • Documented decrease in cardiac function

Applicable To

  • Acute rejection
  • Chronic rejection

Excludes

  • Heart transplant failure (T86.22)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Biopsy showing rejection
  • Elevated BNP levels
  • Decreased LVEF

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if rejection is not confirmed
  • Omission of supporting lab results

Coding Notes

  • Ensure rejection is confirmed through clinical documentation before coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Heart failure, unspecified

I50.9
Use to specify heart failure affecting the transplanted heart.

Differential Codes

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

Heart transplant failure

T86.22
Use T86.22 when there is evidence of graft failure without rejection.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Heart Transplant to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T86.21.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify if CHF is related to transplant., Use T86.2- codes for complications.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to misclassification., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use T86.2- codes for complications as principal diagnosis.

Impact

Incorrect coding of transplant complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on transplant coding guidelines.

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

Documentation Templates for Heart Transplant

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

Post-Transplant Follow-Up

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Current NYHA Class
  • Last biopsy results
  • Immunosuppression levels
  • Cardiac function metrics

Example Documentation

Status post orthotopic heart transplant 02/2024. Maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus 3mg BID (trough 8.2 ng/mL 03/24/25) and mycophenolate 1000mg BID. Surveillance biopsy 03/20/25 shows 0R rejection. LVEF 60% on echo, BNP 45 pg/mL. No evidence of CAV on coronary angiography.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has heart failure.
Good Documentation Example
Acute cellular rejection (ISHLT Grade 2R) confirmed via biopsy on 03/25/2025 with concomitant LVEF 35% and elevated BNP 850 pg/mL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details linking heart failure to transplant rejection.

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

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