2025 ICD-10-CM code I21.2
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Ischemic heart diseases - Acute myocardial infarction Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99) Feed
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in locations other than the anterior or inferior walls of the heart.
Modifiers may be applicable to indicate the use of particular procedures or services rendered in conjunction with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction.Consult current coding guidelines for specific modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of clinical symptoms and diagnostic evidence (ECG and cardiac biomarkers) consistent with acute myocardial infarction.Appropriate treatment is required to minimize myocardial damage and improve patient outcomes.
Diagnosis and management of acute myocardial infarction, including ECG interpretation, cardiac biomarker testing, and initiation of appropriate treatment such as reperfusion therapy (e.g., PCI, thrombolysis).
In simple words: This code means you had a heart attack in a part of your heart other than the front or bottom.A heart attack happens when part of your heart doesn't get enough blood and oxygen, causing damage to the heart muscle.
This code signifies an acute transmural myocardial infarction (heart attack) affecting areas of the heart muscle other than the anterior or inferior walls.It involves the complete thickness of the heart wall and is characterized by ST-segment elevation on an electrocardiogram (ECG). The affected area of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, leading to damage or death of the tissue.This diagnosis requires confirmation through ECG findings and cardiac biomarkers.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents to the emergency department with crushing chest pain radiating to his left arm, shortness of breath, and diaphoresis. ECG reveals ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V4, consistent with a STEMI involving the lateral wall of the heart. Cardiac biomarkers are elevated. The patient undergoes emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., A 72-year-old female with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia is admitted with sudden onset of severe chest pain. ECG demonstrates ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF, indicating a STEMI involving the inferior wall.Cardiac enzyme levels are significantly elevated. The patient undergoes emergent thrombolysis., A 58-year-old male with a history of smoking presents with atypical chest pain and shortness of breath. ECG shows diffuse ST-segment elevation, suggesting a STEMI with involvement of multiple coronary arteries. Cardiac enzymes are markedly increased. The patient requires emergent coronary angiography and subsequent bypass surgery.
Detailed history of presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, 12-lead ECG demonstrating ST-segment elevation, serial cardiac biomarker measurements (troponin I, CK-MB), and documentation of all interventions and response to treatment.
** This code is for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).For non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), use codes from the I21.A category.Always verify the specific location of the myocardial infarction using the ECG findings.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable. This is a diagnostic code.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center