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ICD-10 Coding for Interatrial Septal Defect(Q21.1, I23.1)

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

Also known as:

Atrial Septal DefectASDSecundum ASDSinus Venosus Defect

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Interatrial Septal Defect

Q21.1-Q21.15Primary Range

Congenital malformations of cardiac septa

This range includes various types of atrial septal defects, which are congenital heart defects.

Atrial septal defect as a current complication following acute myocardial infarction

Used for acquired atrial septal defects occurring post-myocardial infarction.

Acquired cardiac septal defect

Used for non-congenital, non-AMI-related atrial septal defects.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Q21.1Atrial septal defectFor congenital atrial septal defects with documented type and hemodynamic significance.
  • Echocardiogram showing defect size ≥5 mm
  • Right heart enlargement
  • Shunt quantification (Qp:Qs ≥1.5)
I23.1Atrial septal defect as a current complication following acute myocardial infarctionFor acquired ASD following an acute myocardial infarction.
  • Post-MI echocardiogram showing septal rupture
  • Documentation of recent myocardial infarction

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 atrial septal defect

Essential facts and insights about Interatrial Septal Defect

The ICD-10 code for a congenital atrial septal defect is Q21.1, with specific subcodes for types like secundum ASD (Q21.11).

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for interatrial septal defect

Atrial septal defect
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented secundum or sinus venosus defect with right heart enlargement.

Applicable To

  • Secundum ASD
  • Sinus venosus defect

Excludes

  • Atrioventricular septal defect (Q21.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Echocardiogram showing defect size ≥5 mm
  • Right heart enlargement
  • Shunt quantification (Qp:Qs ≥1.5)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with patent foramen ovale (Q21.12)
  • Missing documentation of defect type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of ASD and any associated syndromes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Down syndrome

Q90.9
Use when ASD is part of trisomy 21.

Differential Codes

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

Atrioventricular septal defect

Q21.2
Presence of both atrial and ventricular septal defects.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Interatrial Septal Defect to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q21.1.

Impact

Clinical: Impairs treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology, Include echocardiogram findings

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Misrepresentation of patient condition., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Q21.12 for PFO without hemodynamic significance.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes without defect type.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies defect type and size.

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 Interatrial Septal Defect, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Interatrial Septal Defect

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

Secundum ASD with planned closure

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Defect type and size
  • Shunt quantification
  • Right heart strain
  • Closure plan

Example Documentation

Secundum ASD (10 mm) with Qp:Qs 1.8 on TTE. Adequate rims (aortic rim 6 mm). No pulmonary hypertension. Device closure planned.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
ASD present. Recommend closure.
Good Documentation Example
Ostium secundum ASD (10 mm) with Qp:Qs 1.8 on TTE. Adequate rims (aortic rim 6 mm). No pulmonary hypertension. Device closure planned.
Explanation
The good example provides specific defect details, hemodynamic impact, and closure plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Interatrial Septal Defect? Ask your questions below.

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