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ICD-10 Coding for Left Anterior Fascicular Block(I44.4, I45.2)

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

Also known as:

LAFBLeft Anterior Hemiblock

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Anterior Fascicular Block

I44-I45Primary Range

Conduction disorders

This range includes codes for various conduction disorders, including left anterior fascicular block.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I44.4Left anterior fascicular blockUse when LAFB is the sole conduction defect without RBBB or LPFB.
  • ECG shows left axis deviation between -45° and -90°
  • qR complexes in leads I/aVL
  • rS complexes in II/III/aVF
  • + 1 more
I45.2Bifascicular blockUse when LAFB is present with RBBB.
  • ECG shows RBBB + LAD (-45° to -90°), rS in II/III/aVF, qR in I/aVL

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 left anterior fascicular block

Essential facts and insights about Left Anterior Fascicular Block

The ICD-10 code for left anterior fascicular block is I44.4, used when LAFB is the sole conduction defect.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left anterior fascicular block

Left anterior fascicular block
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ECG shows left axis deviation between -45° and -90°

coding Criteria

  • Use I44.4 only if LAFB is isolated without RBBB.

Applicable To

  • Isolated left anterior fascicular block

Excludes

  • Bifascicular block (I45.2)
  • Left bundle branch block (I44.7)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ECG shows left axis deviation between -45° and -90°
  • qR complexes in leads I/aVL
  • rS complexes in II/III/aVF
  • R-wave peak time in aVL >45ms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing LAFB with LBBB
  • Not documenting specific ECG findings

Coding Notes

  • Ensure ECG findings are documented to support LAFB diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of other diseases of the circulatory system

Z86.79
Use when documenting a history of LAFB without current symptoms.

Differential Codes

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

Left bundle branch block

I44.7
LBBB has a QRS duration ≥120ms, broad R in I/aVL/V6, absent Q waves in lateral leads.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Anterior Fascicular Block to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I44.4.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for ECG documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify QRS duration and specific ECG findings before coding.

Impact

Inaccurate or incomplete ECG documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training on ECG interpretation and documentation.

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 Left Anterior Fascicular Block, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Anterior Fascicular Block

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

Cardiology Progress Note

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • ECG findings
  • Symptoms
  • Comorbidities

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Patient denies palpitations or syncope. **Objective**: - ECG: Sinus rhythm, HR 72. - Axis: -55°, qR in I/aVL, rS in II/III/aVF. - R-wave peak time: 48ms in aVL. - QRS: 88ms. - Echo: LVEF 55%, no wall motion abnormalities. **Assessment**: - Left anterior fascicular block (I44.4). - No evidence of ischemic heart disease. **Plan**: Annual cardiac monitoring.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
ECG shows left axis deviation.
Good Documentation Example
ECG demonstrates left axis deviation (-60°), qR in I/aVL, rS in II/III/aVF, R-wave peak time 50ms in aVL, QRS 90ms. No evidence of prior MI.
Explanation
The good example provides specific ECG findings and axis range, supporting the LAFB diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Anterior Fascicular Block? Ask your questions below.

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