In simple words: This code is for a hole in the wall between the lower chambers of the heart that develops shortly after a heart attack.

This code classifies a ventricular septal defect that arises as a direct consequence of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).It specifically refers to the defect's presence as a current complication within the timeframe following the infarction.The code excludes acquired ventricular septal defects not directly resulting from a recent myocardial infarction.

Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents to the emergency department following a suspected heart attack.Echocardiography reveals a new ventricular septal defect, consistent with a complication of the acute myocardial infarction.Code I23.2 is assigned., A 72-year-old female is admitted for cardiac catheterization following an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). During the procedure, a ventricular septal defect is identified.I23.2 is coded to reflect the post-infarction complication., A 58-year-old male patient, previously diagnosed with coronary artery disease, experiences a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).A subsequent echocardiogram reveals a new ventricular septal defect.The coder uses I23.2 to document this complication.

Detailed medical history, including the onset and characteristics of the myocardial infarction; Results of echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, or other diagnostic imaging confirming the ventricular septal defect;Physician's documentation establishing a clear causal link between the myocardial infarction and the septal defect.

** This code should be used cautiously and only when there is clear documentation establishing the causal link between the acute myocardial infarction and the development of the ventricular septal defect.The timeframe for considering the defect a direct complication of the myocardial infarction should be considered within the context of the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings.