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ICD-10 Coding for Typical Atrial Flutter(I48.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Typical Atrial Flutter. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Type I Atrial FlutterCommon Atrial Flutter

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Typical Atrial Flutter

I48.0-I48.9Primary Range

Atrial fibrillation and flutter

This range includes all types of atrial fibrillation and flutter, with I48.3 specifically for typical atrial flutter.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for typical atrial flutter

Essential facts and insights about Typical Atrial Flutter

The ICD-10 code for typical atrial flutter is I48.3, requiring ECG documentation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for typical atrial flutter

Typical atrial flutter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ECG shows sawtooth pattern with atrial rate 240-340 bpm

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'typical atrial flutter' in medical record

Applicable To

  • Type I atrial flutter

Excludes

  • Atypical atrial flutter (I48.4)
  • Unspecified atrial flutter (I48.92)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ECG showing sawtooth flutter waves in leads II, III, aVF
  • Atrial rate between 240-340 bpm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with atrial fibrillation codes
  • Misinterpretation of 'AF' abbreviation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'typical' and includes ECG confirmation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Essential hypertension

I10
Use when patient has concurrent hypertension.

Heart failure, unspecified

I50.9
Use when patient has concurrent heart failure.

Differential Codes

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

Atypical atrial flutter

I48.4
Use when ECG shows atypical patterns not consistent with typical flutter.

Unspecified atrial flutter

I48.92
Use when documentation does not specify type of atrial flutter.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Typical Atrial Flutter to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I48.3.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit discrepancies., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements, Implement checklist for ECG findings

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: May result in audit issues if documentation does not support code used., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify with provider if 'AF' refers to atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation.

Impact

Lack of specificity in documenting atrial flutter type.

Mitigation Strategy

Require ECG confirmation and explicit type 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 Typical Atrial Flutter, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Typical Atrial Flutter

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Typical Atrial Flutter. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Cardiology Progress Note

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • ECG results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Subjective: 'I feel my heart racing 2-3x weekly'. Objective: ECG shows typical flutter waves rate 290bpm, 2:1 conduction. Assessment: Typical atrial flutter (I48.3). Plan: Schedule ablation, continue apixaban 5mg bid.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has atrial flutter.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has typical atrial flutter confirmed by ECG showing sawtooth pattern at 300bpm.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of flutter and provides diagnostic confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Typical Atrial Flutter? Ask your questions below.

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