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ICD-10 Coding for Ventricular Arrhythmia(I47.2, I47.21, I49.01)

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

Also known as:

Ventricular TachycardiaVentricular FibrillationTorsades de Pointes

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ventricular Arrhythmia

I47-I49Primary Range

Paroxysmal tachycardia and other cardiac arrhythmias

This range includes all ventricular arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I47.2Ventricular tachycardiaUse when VT is confirmed by ECG or Holter monitor.
  • ECG showing sustained VT
  • Holter monitor confirming VT episodes
I47.21Torsades de PointesUse when TdP is confirmed by ECG with prolonged QT interval.
  • ECG showing TdP
  • QTc interval >500 ms
I49.01Ventricular fibrillationUse when VF is confirmed by defibrillator report.
  • Defibrillator report showing VF

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 ventricular tachycardia

Essential facts and insights about Ventricular Arrhythmia

The ICD-10 code for ventricular tachycardia is I47.2, with specific subcodes for types like Torsades de Pointes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ventricular arrhythmia

Ventricular tachycardia
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ECG confirmation of VT

Applicable To

  • Sustained ventricular tachycardia
  • Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia

Excludes

  • Supraventricular tachycardia (I47.1)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ECG showing sustained VT
  • Holter monitor confirming VT episodes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as supraventricular tachycardia

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies VT type and duration.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long QT syndrome

I45.81
Use with I47.21 for Torsades de Pointes.

Adverse drug effects

T36-T50
Use if TdP is drug-induced.

Differential Codes

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

Supraventricular tachycardia

I47.1
Confirmed by ECG as originating above the ventricles.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ventricular Arrhythmia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I47.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Review ECG for QT interval, Include QTc in documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies the type of VT or VF.

Impact

High risk of audit for using unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of arrhythmia 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 Ventricular Arrhythmia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Ventricular Arrhythmia

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

Emergency Department Note for VT

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • ECG findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with palpitations. ECG shows sustained VT. Administered IV amiodarone.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
VT observed.
Good Documentation Example
Sustained monomorphic VT (180 bpm) confirmed on 12-lead ECG.
Explanation
The good example provides specific ECG findings and VT type.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Ventricular Arrhythmia? Ask your questions below.

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