2025 ICD-10-CM code I44.2
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Other forms of heart disease - Atrioventricular and left bundle-branch block Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99) Feed
Complete atrioventricular block, also known as third-degree heart block or complete heart block (CHB), is a cardiac conduction disorder.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of service (e.g., place of service, type of pacemaker used, anesthesia). Consult relevant coding guidelines and payer-specific rules.
Medical necessity for treatment (pacemaker implantation) is established by symptoms (syncope, dizziness, hypotension, fatigue, etc.), hemodynamic instability, or high risk of sudden cardiac death.Documentation should justify the need for pacemaker implantation based on the patient's specific clinical presentation and risk factors.
Diagnosis and management of complete heart block, including the assessment of symptoms, electrocardiogram interpretation, and the decision regarding the need for pacemaker implantation.Continuous monitoring may be necessary depending on the patient's clinical status.
In simple words: Complete heart block is a serious heart rhythm problem where the top and bottom chambers of the heart beat independently. This happens because the electrical signals that usually coordinate the heartbeats are blocked. It can cause fainting, low blood pressure, or even death in severe cases.Treatment often involves a pacemaker.
Third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, also known as complete heart block (CHB) or third-degree heart block, is a severe cardiac rhythm disturbance characterized by the complete absence of electrical conduction between the atria and ventricles. This results in a complete dissociation of atrial and ventricular activity.The atria and ventricles beat independently, with the ventricles relying on an escape rhythm originating below the atrioventricular node, often at a slower rate. This can lead to hemodynamic instability, symptoms such as syncope, hypotension, or even death. The condition can be congenital or acquired, arising from various pathological conditions affecting the cardiac conduction system.Electrocardiographically, it is defined by a regular P-P interval, a regular R-R interval, and the complete lack of a relationship between P waves and QRS complexes.
Example 1: A 70-year-old male presents with syncope and dizziness. ECG reveals complete heart block.He undergoes pacemaker implantation., A newborn infant is diagnosed with congenital complete heart block following an abnormal heart rhythm identified during a routine neonatal examination. A pacemaker is placed., A 55-year-old female with a history of rheumatic heart disease develops progressively worsening fatigue and shortness of breath.ECG demonstrates complete heart block.She is a candidate for a pacemaker.
Complete medical history, physical examination findings, ECG (including rhythm strips demonstrating complete AV dissociation), any imaging studies (e.g., echocardiogram), laboratory tests to determine the etiology (if applicable), and documentation supporting the need for pacemaker implantation.
** Consider the underlying cause of the complete heart block when selecting additional codes.Prolonged monitoring and management may necessitate additional billing codes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Cardiology, Electrophysiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center