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ICD-10 Coding for Thromboembolism(I26.01, I82.401)

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

Also known as:

Venous ThromboembolismVTEBlood Clot

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Thromboembolism

I26-I28Primary Range

Pulmonary embolism and other pulmonary heart diseases

This range includes codes for pulmonary embolism, a common form of thromboembolism.

I80-I82Primary Range

Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, other venous embolism and thrombosis

This range covers deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other venous thromboembolic events.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I26.01Acute pulmonary embolism with cor pulmonaleUse when acute PE is confirmed with right heart strain.
  • CT angiography showing PE
  • Echocardiogram indicating right ventricular strain
I82.401Acute embolism and thrombosis of unspecified deep veins of right lower extremityUse when acute DVT is confirmed in the right leg.
  • Doppler ultrasound confirming DVT

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 thromboembolism

Essential facts and insights about Thromboembolism

The ICD-10 code for thromboembolism varies based on type and site, such as I26.01 for acute PE with cor pulmonale.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for thromboembolism

Acute pulmonary embolism with cor pulmonale
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of right heart strain on echocardiogram

Applicable To

  • Acute PE with right heart strain

Excludes

  • Chronic pulmonary embolism (I27.82)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT angiography showing PE
  • Echocardiogram indicating right ventricular strain

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification without echocardiogram confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies right heart strain for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long term (current) use of anticoagulants

Z79.01
Use to indicate ongoing anticoagulation therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Acute pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale

I26.90
Use when PE is confirmed but without right heart strain.

Acute embolism and thrombosis of unspecified deep veins of left lower extremity

I82.402
Use for left leg DVT.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Thromboembolism to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I26.01.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement denial

Mitigation Strategy

Review medication list, Include in discharge summary

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Potential audit flags for incorrect coding., Data Quality: Skewed clinical data affecting patient care decisions.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify duration and symptoms to distinguish between acute and chronic.

Impact

Misclassification of acute vs. chronic DVT

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on documentation requirements

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

Documentation Templates for Thromboembolism

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

Acute DVT diagnosis

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute right leg pain. Doppler ultrasound confirms acute DVT. Initiated enoxaparin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
DVT noted.
Good Documentation Example
Acute right femoral DVT confirmed by Doppler on 10/12/2023.
Explanation
The good example specifies the site, laterality, and confirmation method.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Thromboembolism? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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