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ICD-10 Coding for PEA Arrest(I46.9, I46.8)

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

Also known as:

Pulseless Electrical ActivityElectromechanical Dissociation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to PEA Arrest

I46.0-I46.9Primary Range

Cardiac arrest codes

This range includes codes for cardiac arrest, including PEA arrest, which is a type of cardiac arrest.

Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

Includes codes for symptoms like hypoxemia that may accompany PEA arrest.

Respiratory failure codes

Used when PEA arrest is due to respiratory failure.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I46.9Cardiac arrest, cause unspecifiedUse when PEA arrest occurs without a specified underlying cause.
  • Documented absence of pulse
  • ECG showing organized electrical activity
I46.8Cardiac arrest due to other underlying conditionUse when PEA arrest is due to a documented underlying condition.
  • Documented underlying condition causing arrest

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 PEA arrest

Essential facts and insights about PEA Arrest

The ICD-10 code for PEA arrest is I46.9 for unspecified causes and I46.8 for specified underlying conditions.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pea arrest

Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Absence of pulse with organized electrical activity on ECG

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specified underlying cause

Applicable To

  • Pulseless electrical activity without specified cause

Excludes

  • Cardiac arrest due to specific causes (use I46.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented absence of pulse
  • ECG showing organized electrical activity

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if underlying cause is known but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of pulse and any ECG findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hypoxemia

R09.02
Use when arterial blood gas shows PaO₂ < 60 mmHg.

Acute respiratory failure

J96.00
Use when SpO₂ < 88% pre-arrest.

Differential Codes

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

Cardiac arrest due to other underlying condition

I46.8
Use when a specific non-cardiac cause is documented.

Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified

I46.9
Use when no specific cause is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting PEA Arrest to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I46.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure pulse checks are documented by two providers.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies if an underlying cause is present.

Impact

Lack of documented pulse verification can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure pulse checks are documented by two providers.

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 PEA Arrest, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for PEA Arrest

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

Emergency Department PEA Arrest

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • ECG Findings
  • Pulse Verification
  • Reversible Causes

Example Documentation

PEA rhythm at 60 bpm with QRS duration 120 ms; No carotid/femoral pulses detected via manual palpation × 2 providers.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had PEA.
Good Documentation Example
Cardiac monitor showed organized electrical activity at 80 bpm; no pulses detected via manual palpation × 2 providers; POCUS confirmed absent cardiac motion.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed ECG findings and pulse verification, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for PEA Arrest? Ask your questions below.

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