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ICD-10 Coding for History of Atrial Fibrillation(Z86.79)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Atrial Fibrillation. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Past Atrial FibrillationResolved Atrial Fibrillationhx of afibresolved afib

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Atrial Fibrillation

Z86.7-Z86.79Primary Range

Personal history of diseases of the circulatory system

This range includes codes for personal history of circulatory system diseases, including atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation and flutter

This range includes codes for active atrial fibrillation and flutter conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for history of atrial fibrillation

Essential facts and insights about History of Atrial Fibrillation

The ICD-10 code for history of atrial fibrillation is Z86.79, used when the condition is resolved and no treatment is ongoing.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for history of atrial fibrillation

Personal history of other diseases of the circulatory system
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient is in sinus rhythm without ongoing treatment.

coding Criteria

  • Do not use if patient is on antiarrhythmic or anticoagulant therapy.

Applicable To

  • History of atrial fibrillation

Excludes

  • Current atrial fibrillation (I48.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ECG showing sinus rhythm
  • No current antiarrhythmic or anticoagulant therapy
  • Documented resolution of atrial fibrillation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding active atrial fibrillation as history

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly indicates the resolution of atrial fibrillation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of cardiac pacemaker

Z95.0
Use if a pacemaker is present due to prior atrial fibrillation.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified atrial fibrillation

I48.91
Use when atrial fibrillation is active and unspecified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Atrial Fibrillation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z86.79.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient's current health status., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include recent ECG results in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to inappropriate DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use an active atrial fibrillation code if the patient is on anticoagulants.

Impact

Using Z86.79 when atrial fibrillation is active.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify current treatment and rhythm status before coding.

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 History of Atrial Fibrillation, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Atrial Fibrillation

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Atrial Fibrillation. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-ablation follow-up

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • ECG results
  • Medication list
  • Patient history

Example Documentation

Patient had AF in 2020, now in sinus rhythm with no treatment needed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of AF.
Good Documentation Example
History of AF resolved post-ablation, ECG shows sinus rhythm.
Explanation
The good example provides evidence of resolution and current status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Atrial Fibrillation? Ask your questions below.

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