2025 ICD-10-CM code I48.2
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Cardiac Arrhythmias - Other forms of heart disease Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99) Feed
Chronic atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat characterized by rapid and chaotic contractions of the atria.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service delivery (e.g., place of service, type of visit). Consult the current CPT modifier guidelines for details.
Medical necessity for I48.2 coding is established by the presence of clinical symptoms, abnormal ECG findings consistent with chronic atrial fibrillation, and the need for treatment to prevent complications such as stroke or heart failure.Payers may require additional documentation, such as risk stratification scores, to justify the chosen treatment plan.
Diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation fall under the responsibility of cardiologists or other physicians specializing in heart health.This includes assessment of symptoms, ECG interpretation, risk stratification, and treatment planning, which might involve medications, procedures (such as cardioversion or ablation), or lifestyle modifications.
- Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99)
- I48.2 is under the broader category of Other forms of heart disease (I30-I52).
In simple words: Chronic atrial fibrillation means your heart's upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and too fast. This can cause symptoms like a racing or fluttering heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It's a long-term condition requiring medical attention.
Chronic atrial fibrillation (I48.2) is an ICD-10-CM code representing a sustained and persistent irregular heartbeat originating from the atria.It's characterized by rapid, chaotic atrial contractions, leading to an ineffective pumping action and potential complications such as stroke, heart failure, and blood clots.The diagnosis requires confirmation via electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrating the characteristic irregular rhythm.The chronic nature signifies the condition's persistence beyond seven days, distinguishing it from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Example 1: A 70-year-old male presents with palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. ECG reveals persistent atrial fibrillation.The physician diagnoses chronic atrial fibrillation (I48.2) and initiates anticoagulation therapy to prevent stroke., A 65-year-old female with a history of hypertension is admitted for stroke.Electrocardiography performed reveals chronic atrial fibrillation.This code is used in the inpatient billing for the diagnosis., A 50-year-old patient with known chronic atrial fibrillation is scheduled for a cardiac ablation procedure to restore a normal sinus rhythm. This code describes the pre-procedural diagnosis.
Complete and accurate documentation is crucial for proper coding of I48.2. This includes:* Detailed history of present illness, including onset, duration, and characteristics of symptoms.* Results of electrocardiogram (ECG) showing the characteristic features of atrial fibrillation.* Documentation of the duration of atrial fibrillation to confirm its chronic nature.* Any associated conditions (e.g., hypertension, heart failure).* Treatment plan, including medications, procedures, and follow-up care.
** Further specificity may be required by using additional codes to describe associated conditions, complications, or other relevant clinical information.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This ICD-10 code does not inherently utilize TC modifiers, as it is a diagnostic code, not a procedural one.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Emergency Room, Ambulatory Surgical Center