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ICD-10 Coding for Septal Infarct(I21.29, I21.4)

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

Also known as:

Septal Myocardial InfarctionSeptal MI

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Septal Infarct

I21-I22Primary Range

Acute Myocardial Infarction

This range includes codes for acute myocardial infarction, which encompasses septal infarcts.

Certain current complications following acute myocardial infarction

This range includes codes for complications such as ventricular septal defect following an MI.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I21.29ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other coronary artery (septal branch)Use when there is a confirmed STEMI involving the septal branch of the LAD.
  • ST elevation in leads V1-V2
  • Angiography showing septal branch occlusion
I21.4Non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarctionUse when there is a confirmed NSTEMI involving the septal region.
  • Troponin elevation without ST elevation in contiguous leads

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 septal infarct

Essential facts and insights about Septal Infarct

The ICD-10 code for septal infarct is I21.29 for STEMI and I21.4 for NSTEMI.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for septal infarct

ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving other coronary artery (septal branch)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ST elevation in V1-V2 with septal branch occlusion

Applicable To

  • Isolated septal STEMI

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ST elevation in leads V1-V2
  • Angiography showing septal branch occlusion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as unspecified MI if septal involvement is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'septal' and the involved artery.

Ancillary Codes

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

Ventricular septal defect complicating acute MI

I23.2
Use if a ventricular septal defect is present following the MI.

Differential Codes

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

STEMI of anterior wall

I21.09
Use when septal involvement is part of a larger anterior MI.

STEMI of septal wall

I21.29
Use when ST elevation criteria are met.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Septal Infarct to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I21.29.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misclassification of the MI type., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss in reimbursement due to incorrect DRG assignment.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of detailed documentation., Use templates to guide documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use I21.29 when septal involvement is specified.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified MI coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of MI site and type.

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

Documentation Templates for Septal Infarct

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

Isolated Septal STEMI

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • ECG findings
  • Troponin levels
  • Angiography results

Example Documentation

62M with chest pain, ECG shows ST elevation in V1-V2, angiography reveals septal branch occlusion.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Acute MI treated with stent.
Good Documentation Example
STEMI of mid-septal wall (I21.29) secondary to thrombotic occlusion of second septal branch, status post DES placement.
Explanation
The good example specifies the site and artery involved, supporting accurate coding.

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

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