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ICD-10 Coding for High-Grade Atrioventricular Block(I44.1)

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

Also known as:

High-Grade AV BlockAdvanced AV Block

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to High-Grade Atrioventricular Block

I44-I49Primary Range

Conduction disorders

This range includes all types of atrioventricular blocks, including high-grade AV block.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for high-grade AV block

Essential facts and insights about High-Grade Atrioventricular Block

The ICD-10 code for high-grade AV block is I44.1, covering second-degree AV block with 3:1 or 4:1 conduction.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for high grade atrioventricular block

Second-degree atrioventricular block
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ECG shows 3:1 or 4:1 conduction with symptoms.

documentation Criteria

  • Specify conduction ratio and symptoms in documentation.

Applicable To

  • High-grade AV block
  • 3:1 conduction
  • 4:1 conduction

Excludes

  • Complete heart block (I44.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ECG showing 3:1 or 4:1 P:QRS conduction with constant PR intervals in conducted beats
  • Symptoms such as syncope or dizziness

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as complete heart block (I44.2) if conduction is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies conduction ratio and symptoms.

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 implanted due to high-grade AV block.

Atherosclerotic heart disease

I25.1
Use if ischemic heart disease is a causative factor.

Differential Codes

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

Complete heart block

I44.2
Use I44.2 only if there are no conducted beats.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting High-Grade Atrioventricular Block to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I44.1.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to potential misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: May result in denied claims or incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed ECG findings are documented., Train staff on the importance of specifying conduction ratios.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Misclassification can lead to compliance issues., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify ECG findings for any conducted beats before coding.

Impact

Lack of specific conduction ratio in documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular audits and training on documentation standards.

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 High-Grade Atrioventricular Block, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for High-Grade Atrioventricular Block

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for High-Grade Atrioventricular Block. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

High-grade AV block requiring pacemaker

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • ECG findings
  • Conduction ratio
  • Symptoms
  • Pacemaker status

Example Documentation

ECG shows 3:1 AV block with constant PR intervals, patient presented with syncope. Pacemaker implanted.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
AV block noted.
Good Documentation Example
High-grade AV block with 3:1 conduction, syncope present.
Explanation
The good example specifies the conduction ratio and symptoms, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for High-Grade Atrioventricular Block? Ask your questions below.

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