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ICD-10 Coding for Heart Block(I44.0, I44.1, I44.2)

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

Also known as:

Atrioventricular BlockAV Block

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Heart Block

I44.0-I44.7Primary Range

Atrioventricular and left bundle-branch block

This range includes all degrees of heart block, which are the primary focus for this condition.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I44.0First degree atrioventricular blockUse when the patient has a prolonged PR interval on ECG without symptoms.
  • PR interval >200ms on ECG
  • Asymptomatic
I44.1Second degree atrioventricular blockUse when ECG shows Mobitz I or II patterns.
  • ECG showing progressive PR prolongation (Mobitz I) or fixed PR with intermittent QRS drops (Mobitz II)
I44.2Complete heart blockUse when ECG confirms complete AV dissociation.
  • ECG showing AV dissociation

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 complete heart block

Essential facts and insights about Heart Block

The ICD-10 code for complete heart block is I44.2, confirmed by ECG showing AV dissociation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for heart block

First degree atrioventricular block
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • PR interval >200ms on ECG

Applicable To

  • First-degree AV block

Excludes

  • Second-degree AV block
  • Complete heart block

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PR interval >200ms on ECG
  • Asymptomatic

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if symptoms are present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure ECG findings are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of cardiac pacemaker

Z95.0
Use when a pacemaker is present due to heart block.

Differential Codes

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

Second degree atrioventricular block

I44.1
Presence of intermittent QRS drop or progressive PR prolongation.

Complete heart block

I44.2
Complete AV dissociation on ECG.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Heart Block to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I44.0.

Impact

Clinical: Potential misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Denied claims due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed ECG findings are documented.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure ECG findings are documented before coding.

Impact

Risk of audits due to insufficient documentation of ECG findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all ECG findings are documented and reviewed.

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

Documentation Templates for Heart Block

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

Complete heart block with pacemaker

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • ECG findings
  • Symptoms
  • Pacemaker status

Example Documentation

Patient presents with complete heart block confirmed by ECG. Pacemaker implantation scheduled.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Heart block noted.
Good Documentation Example
Complete heart block confirmed by ECG with AV dissociation. Pacemaker scheduled.
Explanation
The good example provides specific ECG findings and treatment plan.

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

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

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