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ICD-10 Coding for Dilated Cardiomyopathy(I42.0, I42.6)

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

Also known as:

Congestive CardiomyopathyDCM

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dilated Cardiomyopathy

I42-I43Primary Range

Cardiomyopathy

This range includes all types of cardiomyopathy, with I42.0 specifically for dilated cardiomyopathy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I42.0Dilated cardiomyopathyUse when dilated cardiomyopathy is diagnosed without a specified cause.
  • LVEF <45%
  • LV dilation confirmed by echocardiogram
I42.6Alcoholic cardiomyopathyUse when dilated cardiomyopathy is due to alcohol use.
  • History of chronic alcohol use
  • LVEF <45%

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 dilated cardiomyopathy

Essential facts and insights about Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The ICD-10 code for dilated cardiomyopathy is I42.0, used when the condition is diagnosed without a specified cause.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • LVEF <45% and LV dilation

Applicable To

  • Congestive cardiomyopathy

Excludes

  • Ischemic cardiomyopathy (I25.5)
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (I42.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • LVEF <45%
  • LV dilation confirmed by echocardiogram

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes which are not covered.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'dilated' to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Heart failure, unspecified

I50.9
Use if heart failure is present with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Differential Codes

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

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

I42.1
Presence of thickened heart muscle rather than dilation.

Dilated cardiomyopathy

I42.0
No specific cause such as alcohol use.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dilated Cardiomyopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I42.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'dilated' in documentation., Train staff on importance of specificity.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use I42.6 for alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of cardiomyopathy type and etiology.

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

Documentation Templates for Dilated Cardiomyopathy

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

Dilated cardiomyopathy diagnosis

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • LVEF percentage
  • LV dilation measurements
  • Etiology if known

Example Documentation

Patient presents with dilated cardiomyopathy, LVEF 35%, LVEDD 6.5 cm, no ischemic changes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cardiomyopathy noted.
Good Documentation Example
Dilated cardiomyopathy with LVEF 35% confirmed by echocardiogram.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and confirms the diagnosis with imaging.

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

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