Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Prolonged QTc(I45.81, Q87.89, R94.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Prolonged QTc. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Long QT SyndromeQT Interval Prolongation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Prolonged QTc

I45-I49Primary Range

Conduction disorders and cardiac arrhythmias

Includes codes for Long QT syndrome and related arrhythmias.

Other specified congenital malformation syndromes

Includes congenital syndromes like Romano-Ward that feature prolonged QT.

Abnormal results of cardiovascular function studies

Used for abnormal ECG findings without a diagnosed syndrome.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I45.81Long QT syndromeUse when Long QT syndrome is documented without congenital specification.
  • ECG showing prolonged QTc
  • Documentation of syndrome
Q87.89Other specified congenital malformation syndromesUse when congenital syndrome is documented.
  • Genetic testing confirming congenital syndrome
  • Family history of sudden cardiac death
R94.3Abnormal cardiovascular function studyUse for isolated ECG findings of prolonged QTc.
  • ECG showing QTc prolongation
  • No documented syndrome

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 Long QT syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Prolonged QTc

The ICD-10 code for Long QT syndrome is I45.81, used when the syndrome is documented without congenital specification.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for prolonged qt corrected for heart rate

Long QT syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented Long QT syndrome

Applicable To

  • Acquired Long QT syndrome

Excludes

  • Congenital Long QT syndrome (Q87.89)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ECG showing prolonged QTc
  • Documentation of syndrome

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if congenital syndrome is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'syndrome' for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Abnormal cardiovascular function study

R94.3
Use for ECG findings without a diagnosed syndrome.

Syncope

R55
Use for syncope related to congenital syndrome.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified congenital malformation syndromes

Q87.89
Use for congenital syndromes like Romano-Ward.

Long QT syndrome

I45.81
Use for non-congenital Long QT syndrome.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Prolonged QTc to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I45.81.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure genetic testing is performed and documented., Review family history for congenital syndromes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use I45.81 or Q87.89 based on syndrome documentation.

Impact

Lack of genetic confirmation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure genetic testing is documented for congenital cases.

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 Prolonged QTc, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Prolonged QTc

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Prolonged QTc. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Cardiology consultation for syncope

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • ECG findings
  • Family history
  • Genetic testing results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with syncope. ECG shows QTc 520 ms. Genetic testing confirms KCNH2 mutation. Diagnosis: Romano-Ward syndrome.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient with syncope. QTc prolonged.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with syncope. ECG shows QTc 520 ms. Genetic testing confirms KCNH2 mutation. Diagnosis: Romano-Ward syndrome.
Explanation
The good example provides specific genetic and ECG details, confirming the syndrome.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Prolonged QTc? 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