2025 ICD-10-CM code I48.20
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Diseases of the circulatory system - Other forms of heart disease Chapter 9: Diseases of the circulatory system Feed
Chronic atrial fibrillation, unspecified; atrial fibrillation present for more than three months.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter or services rendered.Always refer to current guidelines and payer specifications.
Medical necessity is established based on the patient's symptoms, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness, along with diagnostic findings confirming atrial fibrillation.The duration exceeding three months warrants chronic management.Treatment is medically necessary to prevent complications like stroke or heart failure.
The clinical responsibility involves diagnosing and managing atrial fibrillation, including assessing the patient's symptoms, conducting diagnostic tests (e.g., ECG, echocardiogram), and determining appropriate treatment (e.g., medication, cardioversion, ablation). Ongoing monitoring of the patient’s condition is also crucial.
- Chapter 9: Diseases of the circulatory system
- I48.20 falls under the broader category of I48 (Atrial fibrillation and flutter)
In simple words: This code means the patient has a heart condition called atrial fibrillation that has lasted for more than three months.Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat.
This code, I48.20, signifies chronic atrial fibrillation where the type of atrial fibrillation is not specified.It is used when atrial fibrillation has persisted for over three months.This is a non-specific code encompassing various types of persistent, longstanding persistent, or permanent atrial fibrillation.Accurate documentation specifying the type of atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal, persistent, permanent) is crucial for precise coding.
Example 1: A 70-year-old male patient presents with palpitations and shortness of breath for the past six months.ECG confirms atrial fibrillation.No attempt at cardioversion is planned.Code I48.20 is used because it has been present for more than three months, but the specific type isn't specified., An 85-year-old female patient has a history of atrial fibrillation for over a year. She is currently on rate-control medication, and cardioversion is not considered.Due to the duration and lack of specific type designation, I48.20 is appropriate., A 62-year-old patient presents with persistent atrial fibrillation for over three months.The physician does not specify if this is persistent, longstanding persistent, or permanent atrial fibrillation. Hence, I48.20 is the most appropriate code.
Detailed patient history, including duration and symptoms of atrial fibrillation.ECG reports confirming the diagnosis and specifying the rhythm.Physician documentation explaining why a more specific code cannot be assigned if this is the case.Any relevant diagnostic tests (echocardiogram, etc.).Treatment plan including medication, procedures, and plan of care.
** This code is non-specific, and more precise coding should be pursued when possible.Always confirm with payer-specific requirements.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable
- Specialties:Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Electrophysiology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center