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ICD-10 Coding for Severe Pulmonary Hypertension(I27.0, I27.21)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Severe Pulmonary Hypertension. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Severe Pulmonary Arterial HypertensionSevere PAHSevere PH

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

I27.0-I27.9Primary Range

Pulmonary heart disease and diseases of pulmonary circulation

This range includes codes for primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension, crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment documentation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I27.0Primary pulmonary hypertensionUse when primary pulmonary hypertension is confirmed by clinical validation and no secondary causes are identified.
  • Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mmHg at rest via right heart catheterization
  • Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≤15 mmHg
  • Exclusion of secondary causes
I27.21Secondary pulmonary arterial hypertensionUse when pulmonary arterial hypertension is secondary to another condition like connective tissue disease.
  • Documentation of secondary cause such as connective tissue disease or congenital heart disease

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 severe pulmonary hypertension

Essential facts and insights about Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

The ICD-10 code for primary severe pulmonary hypertension is I27.0, while secondary pulmonary hypertension is coded as I27.21.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for severe pulmonary hypertension

Primary pulmonary hypertension
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • mPAP ≥25 mmHg and PCWP ≤15 mmHg confirmed by RHC

Applicable To

  • Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

Excludes

  • Secondary pulmonary hypertension (I27.2-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mmHg at rest via right heart catheterization
  • Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≤15 mmHg
  • Exclusion of secondary causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding secondary causes as primary

Coding Notes

  • Ensure right heart catheterization results are documented to support the use of this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Interstitial pulmonary disease, unspecified

J84.9
Use when interstitial lung disease is present alongside primary pulmonary hypertension.

Progressive systemic sclerosis

M34.0
Use when scleroderma is the underlying cause of pulmonary hypertension.

Differential Codes

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

Other secondary pulmonary hypertension

I27.2
Secondary causes such as left heart disease or lung disease must be documented.

Primary pulmonary hypertension

I27.0
No secondary causes should be documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Severe Pulmonary Hypertension to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I27.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of hemodynamic measurements, Specify primary vs. secondary causes

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care and research.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure secondary causes are identified and coded appropriately.

Impact

Audits often find errors in distinguishing between primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices and regular coder training.

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 Severe Pulmonary Hypertension, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Severe Pulmonary Hypertension

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Severe Pulmonary Hypertension. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Cardiology evaluation for severe pulmonary hypertension

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Pulmonary artery pressure measurements
  • Right heart catheterization results
  • WHO functional class
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with WHO Group 1 PAH, confirmed by RHC: mPAP 52 mmHg, PCWP 12 mmHg. Initiated on ambrisentan 5 mg daily.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has bad PH. Started on ambrisentan.
Good Documentation Example
WHO Group 1 PAH (I27.0) confirmed by RHC: mPAP 52 mmHg, PCWP 12 mmHg, PVR 14 WU. Initiated ambrisentan 5 mg daily.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical validation and treatment details, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Severe Pulmonary Hypertension? Ask your questions below.

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