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ICD-10 Coding for Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (NICM)(I42.8, I42.0, I42.5, I42.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (NICM). Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

NICMNon-ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (NICM)

I42Primary Range

Cardiomyopathy

This range includes all types of cardiomyopathy, with specific codes for nonischemic variants.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I42.8Other cardiomyopathiesUse when NICM is confirmed without a specific subtype.
  • Echocardiogram showing LVEF <35%
  • Cardiac MRI findings
  • BNP levels >400 pg/mL
I42.0Dilated cardiomyopathyUse when LV dilation and systolic dysfunction are documented.
  • Echocardiogram showing LV dilation and systolic dysfunction
I42.5Restrictive cardiomyopathyUse when restrictive physiology is documented.
  • Echocardiogram showing impaired ventricular filling
I42.6Alcoholic cardiomyopathyUse when cardiomyopathy is explicitly linked to alcohol use.
  • History of chronic alcohol use
  • Echocardiogram findings consistent with cardiomyopathy

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 nonischemic cardiomyopathy

Essential facts and insights about Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (NICM)

The ICD-10 code for nonischemic cardiomyopathy is I42.8.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for nicm

Other cardiomyopathies
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed absence of ischemia via angiogram.

Applicable To

  • Nonischemic cardiomyopathy

Excludes

  • Ischemic cardiomyopathy (I25.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Echocardiogram showing LVEF <35%
  • Cardiac MRI findings
  • BNP levels >400 pg/mL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes when more specific ones are available.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'nonischemic' to avoid coding errors.

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 alongside NICM.

Differential Codes

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

Ischemic cardiomyopathy

I25.5
Presence of coronary artery disease confirmed by angiogram.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (NICM) to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I42.8.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of non-compliance., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology., Document etiology and subtype.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the type of cardiomyopathy.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified cardiomyopathy codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies type and cause.

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 Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (NICM), with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (NICM)

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (NICM). These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Progress Note for NICM

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Subjective symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 'Fatigue, DOE worsening over 2 weeks' **Objective**: JVD+, 2+ pedal edema, Echo: LVEF 28%, global hypokinesis **Assessment**: Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (I42.0) **Plan**: Initiate GDMT (ARNI, beta-blocker)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cardiomyopathy
Good Documentation Example
Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (LVEF 28%) secondary to chronic alcohol use
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and cause of cardiomyopathy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy (NICM)? Ask your questions below.

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