ICD-10 Coding for Inferior STEMI(I21.11, I21.19)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Inferior STEMI. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Inferior STEMI
I21.0-I21.9Primary Range
Acute Myocardial Infarction
This range includes codes for different types of myocardial infarctions, including STEMI and NSTEMI.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| I21.11 | STEMI involving right coronary artery | Use when STEMI criteria are met with RCA involvement. |
|
| I21.19 | STEMI involving other coronary artery of inferior wall | Use when STEMI criteria are met with non-RCA artery involvement. |
|
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: How is inferior STEMI coded in ICD-10?
Essential facts and insights about Inferior STEMI
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for inferior stemi
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of ST elevation in inferior leads with RCA occlusion
documentation Criteria
- Documented angiographic evidence of RCA occlusion
Applicable To
- STEMI of inferior wall involving RCA
Excludes
- NSTEMI (I21.4)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ST elevation ≥1 mm in leads II, III, aVF
- Reciprocal ST depression in aVL
- 100% occlusion of RCA on angiography
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as NSTEMI if resolved post-thrombolysis
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the involved artery and confirms STEMI criteria.
I21.19 - STEMI involving other coronary artery of inferior wall
Use when STEMI criteria are met with non-RCA artery involvement.
Applicable To
- STEMI of inferior wall involving left circumflex
Excludes
- NSTEMI (I21.4)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ST elevation in inferior leads with non-RCA artery involvement
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the involved artery and confirms STEMI criteria.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Subsequent STEMI of inferior wall
I22.1Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Inferior STEMI to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I21.11.
Impact
Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture affecting treatment decisions., Regulatory: Potential audit issues due to incomplete documentation., Financial: Risk of incorrect coding and reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all ECG findings are documented, Use templates to guide documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Continue using I21.11 unless STEMI criteria were never met.
Impact
Misclassification of resolved STEMI as NSTEMI.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports initial STEMI criteria.
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 Inferior STEMI, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Inferior STEMI
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Inferior STEMI. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Note (STEMI Confirmed)
Specialty: CardiologyRequired Elements
- Patient demographics
- Chest pain description
- ECG findings
- Angiography results
- Troponin levels
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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