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ICD-10 Coding for Vasovagal Syndrome(R55)

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

Also known as:

Neurocardiogenic SyncopeVasovagal SyncopeFainting

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vasovagal Syndrome

R55Primary Range

Syncope and collapse

This range includes vasovagal syncope and is used when no more specific cause is identified.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for vasovagal syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Vasovagal Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for vasovagal syndrome is R55, used for syncope and collapse including vasovagal attacks.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for vasovagal syndrome

Syncope and collapse
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of vasovagal trigger and prodromal symptoms.

coding Criteria

  • No more specific cause identified for syncope.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of syncope event and exclusion of other causes.

Applicable To

  • Vasovagal attack
  • Neurocardiogenic syncope

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Orthostatic vital signs showing postural changes
  • ECG ruling out arrhythmia
  • Tilt table test results

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use as principal diagnosis when a more specific cause is identified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the trigger and prodromal symptoms to support the use of R55.

Ancillary Codes

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

Psychogenic syncope

F45.8
Use for stress-induced episodes with psychological triggers.

History of falling

Z91.83
Use if recurrent syncope leads to falls.

Differential Codes

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

Orthostatic hypotension

I95.1
Use when syncope is due to postural changes and not a vasovagal response.

Seizure

G40.909
Use when syncope is due to epileptic activity confirmed by EEG.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vasovagal Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R55.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on the importance of detailed documentation., Use standardized templates for syncope documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement if not coded correctly., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Identify and code the specific cause first, followed by R55.

Impact

Risk of using R55 as principal diagnosis when a more specific cause is present.

Mitigation Strategy

Review and code the most specific cause of syncope as principal.

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

Documentation Templates for Vasovagal Syndrome

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

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of Present Illness
  • Physical Examination
  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Clinical Impression

Example Documentation

**HPI**: 25 yo with syncope x1 episode lasting 2 minutes. Trigger: blood draw. Prodrome: lightheadedness, nausea. Recovery: Spontaneous in 5 minutes, no residual deficit. **Exam**: Orthostatic vitals negative, cardiac auscultation normal. **Testing**: ECG normal, glucose 90 mg/dL. **Impression**: Vasovagal syncope (R55) secondary to blood draw.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient fainted.
Good Documentation Example
Sudden syncope after venipuncture with 30-second prodrome of pallor/diaphoresis. Normal ECG, no cardiac history.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the trigger, prodrome, and diagnostic findings.

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

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