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ICD-10 Coding for Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy(I42.6)

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

Also known as:

Alcohol-induced CardiomyopathyCardiomyopathy due to Alcohol

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

I42-I43Primary Range

Cardiomyopathy

This range includes all types of cardiomyopathy, with I42.6 specifically for alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol

This range is used to code the presence of alcohol use, abuse, or dependence, which is necessary for coding alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Essential facts and insights about Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

The ICD-10 code for alcoholic cardiomyopathy is I42.6, used when cardiomyopathy is linked to chronic alcohol use.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient has a history of heavy alcohol use and echocardiogram shows dilated cardiomyopathy.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies 'alcoholic cardiomyopathy' and details alcohol consumption.

Applicable To

  • Cardiomyopathy due to chronic alcohol use

Excludes

  • Ischemic cardiomyopathy (I25.5)
  • Drug-induced cardiomyopathy (I42.7)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • History of heavy alcohol use (>80g/day for 5+ years)
  • Echocardiogram showing dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Elevated liver enzymes or macrocytosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with drug-induced cardiomyopathy
  • Incorrect sequencing with alcohol use codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links cardiomyopathy to alcohol use.

Ancillary Codes

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

Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated

F10.20
Use to indicate the presence of alcohol dependence.

Alcohol abuse, uncomplicated

F10.10
Use to indicate the presence of alcohol abuse.

Differential Codes

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

Dilated cardiomyopathy

I42.0
Use when dilated cardiomyopathy is not linked to alcohol use.

Drug-induced cardiomyopathy

I42.7
Use when cardiomyopathy is due to drug use rather than alcohol.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I42.6.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Could result in audit discrepancies., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on detailed documentation practices., Use templates to ensure comprehensive history taking.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: May result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of patient records and data analytics.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the primary substance causing cardiomyopathy through patient history and documentation.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of I42.6 and F10 codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules and provide examples.

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

Documentation Templates for Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy

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

Chronic alcoholic cardiomyopathy diagnosis

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Patient's alcohol consumption history
  • Echocardiogram results
  • Liver function tests

Example Documentation

Patient presents with dilated cardiomyopathy. History reveals 10-year daily consumption of 12 beers. Echocardiogram shows LVEF 30%. AST/ALT ratio >2.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cardiomyopathy with history of alcohol use.
Good Documentation Example
Dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to 15-year history of daily whiskey consumption (>120g ethanol/day).
Explanation
The good example provides specific alcohol consumption details and links it directly to the cardiomyopathy.

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

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