Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome(Q23.4)

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

Also known as:

HLHSHypoplastic Left Heart

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Q20-Q28Primary Range

Congenital malformations of the circulatory system

This range includes congenital heart defects, including hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for hypoplastic left heart syndrome is Q23.4, used for confirmed cases with documented echocardiographic findings.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of hypoplastic left ventricle and associated valve/aorta anomalies

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed echocardiographic findings

Applicable To

  • Hypoplastic left ventricle
  • Mitral valve atresia/stenosis
  • Aortic valve atresia/stenosis
  • Ascending aortic hypoplasia

Excludes

  • Other congenital heart defects not involving left heart structures

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Echocardiogram showing left ventricular end-diastolic dimension ≤5 mm
  • Mitral valve annulus Z-score ≤-2
  • Aortic valve annulus Z-score ≤-3.5

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding after surgical palliation without transplant
  • Missing detailed anatomical descriptions in documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure all anatomical components are documented to support the use of Q23.4.

Ancillary Codes

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

Heart failure, unspecified

I50.9
Use when heart failure is present as a complication of HLHS.

Differential Codes

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

Other congenital malformations of aorta

Q25.49
Use Q25.49 for isolated aortic anomalies not involving hypoplastic left heart structures.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q23.4.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis representation., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Risk of claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates for documentation, Ensure all echocardiographic findings are recorded

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Continue using Q23.4 unless a heart transplant has occurred.

Impact

Incorrect coding of HLHS as resolved after surgical palliation.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on the need to continue using Q23.4 post-surgery.

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 Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

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

Neonatal diagnosis of HLHS

Specialty: Pediatric Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Echocardiographic measurements
  • Detailed anatomical descriptions
  • Clinical signs and symptoms

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Echo shows HLHS.
Good Documentation Example
Echo confirms HLHS: LVEDD 3.2 mm (Z-score -4.1), mitral atresia, aortic atresia, ascending aorta 1.5 mm.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and anatomical details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more