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ICD-10 Coding for Pectus Excavatum(Q67.6)

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

Also known as:

Funnel ChestSunken Chest

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pectus Excavatum

Q67-Q67.9Primary Range

Congenital musculoskeletal deformities of the chest

This range includes congenital deformities of the chest, including pectus excavatum.

Other specified congenital malformation syndromes affecting multiple systems

Includes conditions like Marfan syndrome, which may be associated with pectus excavatum.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for pectus excavatum

Essential facts and insights about Pectus Excavatum

The ICD-10 code for pectus excavatum is Q67.6, used for congenital cases confirmed by imaging.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for pectus excavatum

Pectus excavatum
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of congenital chest deformity confirmed by imaging

coding Criteria

  • Avoid using for acquired deformities

Applicable To

  • Congenital funnel chest

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Haller index >3.25 on CT
  • Echocardiogram showing cardiac compression

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with acquired chest deformities
  • Incorrect use in syndromic cases without proper documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure congenital origin is documented to avoid misclassification.

Ancillary Codes

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

Scoliosis, unspecified

M41.9
Use when scoliosis is present alongside pectus excavatum.

Differential Codes

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

Acquired chest deformity

Q76.7
Use for non-congenital cases, such as post-traumatic or post-surgical deformities.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pectus Excavatum to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Q67.6.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to underestimation of severity, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential denial of claims for surgical procedures

Mitigation Strategy

Standardize inclusion of Haller index in all relevant imaging reports

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to incorrect coding, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document congenital origin through imaging and clinical history.

Impact

Using Q67.6 for acquired deformities can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checks for congenital documentation in EHR systems.

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 Pectus Excavatum, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Pectus Excavatum

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

Pre-operative evaluation for pectus excavatum surgery

Specialty: Surgery

Required Elements

  • Haller index measurement
  • Symptoms such as dyspnea or chest pain
  • Echocardiogram findings

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Teen with sunken chest. Needs surgery.
Good Documentation Example
16yo male with congenital pectus excavatum confirmed by CT (Haller index 4.1). Presents with exertional dyspnea and precordial chest pain.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging results, supporting the diagnosis and surgical plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Pectus Excavatum? Ask your questions below.

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