ICD-10 Coding for Posterior Descending Artery(I21.11, I21.21)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Posterior Descending Artery. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Posterior Descending Artery
I21-I25Primary Range
Ischemic Heart Diseases
Includes myocardial infarction codes relevant to PDA involvement.
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 | ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving right coronary artery | Use when STEMI involves PDA originating from RCA. |
|
| I21.21 | ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left circumflex coronary artery | Use when STEMI involves PDA originating from LCX. |
|
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 posterior descending artery STEMI
Essential facts and insights about Posterior Descending Artery
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for posterior descending artery
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- PDA originates from RCA with confirmed STEMI
Applicable To
- STEMI involving PDA from RCA
Excludes
- Non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction (I21.4)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Angiographic confirmation of PDA origin from RCA
- ST elevation in inferior leads (II, III, aVF)
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as I21.3 without specifying RCA origin
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies PDA origin for accurate coding.
I21.21 - ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left circumflex coronary artery
Use when STEMI involves PDA originating from LCX.
Applicable To
- STEMI involving PDA from LCX
Excludes
- Non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction (I21.4)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Angiographic confirmation of PDA origin from LCX
- ST elevation in lateral leads (I, aVL, V5-6)
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies PDA origin for accurate coding.
Differential 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 Posterior Descending Artery to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I21.11.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of coronary anatomy., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Standardize documentation templates to include PDA origin.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect modifiers can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on coronary interventions.
Mitigation Strategy
Use -RC for RCA origin and -LC for LCX origin.
Impact
Incorrect modifiers for PDA interventions can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure accurate documentation of PDA origin and apply correct modifiers.
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 Posterior Descending Artery, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Posterior Descending Artery
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Posterior Descending Artery. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
PCI for PDA stenosis
Specialty: CardiologyRequired Elements
- PDA origin
- Stenosis severity
- Intervention details
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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