ICD-10 Coding for Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia(I47.20, I47.21, I47.29)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
I47.2-I47.29Primary Range
Ventricular tachycardia codes
This range includes codes for various types of ventricular tachycardia, including sustained and non-sustained forms.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| I47.20 | Ventricular tachycardia, unspecified | Use when documentation does not specify the type of ventricular tachycardia. |
|
| I47.21 | Torsades de Pointes | Use when documentation specifies Torsades de Pointes. |
|
| I47.29 | Other ventricular tachycardia | Use for documented sustained VT lasting 30 seconds or more. |
|
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 sustained ventricular tachycardia
Essential facts and insights about Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sustained ventricular tachycardia
Decision Criteria
documentation Criteria
- Unspecified VT without further details
Applicable To
- Unspecified ventricular tachycardia
Excludes
- Torsades de Pointes (I47.21)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ECG showing ventricular complexes ≥100 bpm
- QRS duration >120 ms
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-coding if specific type is not documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies if the VT is sustained or non-sustained.
I47.21 - Torsades de Pointes
Use when documentation specifies Torsades de Pointes.
Applicable To
- Polymorphic VT with QT prolongation
Clinical Validation Requirements
- QT interval >500 ms
- Polymorphic VT on ECG
Coding Notes
Ensure QT prolongation is documented.
I47.29 - Other ventricular tachycardia
Use for documented sustained VT lasting 30 seconds or more.
Applicable To
- Sustained ventricular tachycardia
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sustained VT lasting ≥30 seconds
- ECG confirmation
Coding Notes
Ensure duration and ECG findings are documented.
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 Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I47.20.
Impact
Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk if QT prolongation is not noted., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to incorrect coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure QT interval is measured and documented., Use templates to capture all necessary details.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement if not coded as sustained., Compliance: Risk of audit failure due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Impacts data accuracy and clinical reporting.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies duration to use I47.29.
Impact
High audit risk if VT is coded without specifying duration.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement documentation checks to ensure duration is recorded.
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 Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Cardiology Progress Note
Specialty: CardiologyRequired Elements
- History of Present Illness
- Physical Examination
- ECG Findings
- Plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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