2025 ICD-10-CM code I48
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Cardiac Arrhythmias - Other forms of heart disease Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99) Feed
Atrial fibrillation and flutter.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of service. For example, modifiers may be used to indicate the type of service provided or the place of service.
Medical necessity for diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter is established by the presence of symptoms or evidence of complications (e.g., stroke, heart failure).Appropriate evaluation and management of this arrhythmia are required to prevent serious morbidity and mortality.
Diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation and flutter, including assessment of symptoms, electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, risk stratification, and treatment planning (e.g., medication, cardioversion, ablation).
In simple words: This code describes problems with the heart's rhythm, specifically atrial fibrillation and flutter. Atrial fibrillation means the heart beats irregularly and quickly in the upper chambers. Atrial flutter means the upper chambers beat rapidly, but usually more regularly than in atrial fibrillation.The doctor will use additional information to specify the type and duration of the arrhythmia.
I48 encompasses atrial fibrillation and flutter, encompassing various types and durations of these arrhythmias.Atrial fibrillation is characterized by irregular and rapid heartbeats originating in the atria, while atrial flutter involves rapid but more regular atrial contractions.The code I48 can be further specified with additional digits to denote paroxysmal (I48.0), persistent (I48.1), chronic (I48.2), typical atrial flutter (I48.3), atypical atrial flutter (I48.4), or unspecified (I48.9) forms.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with palpitations and shortness of breath. ECG reveals paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (I48.0). The physician initiates rate control medication and schedules an echocardiogram to assess cardiac function., A 78-year-old female with a history of hypertension and diabetes is admitted with persistent atrial fibrillation (I48.1) and signs of congestive heart failure.The physician orders anticoagulation therapy and manages her heart failure symptoms., An 82-year-old male with chronic atrial fibrillation (I48.2) on warfarin therapy presents with a new-onset stroke.The physician performs a neurological exam, orders brain imaging, and adjusts his anticoagulation regimen.
Detailed history of present illness, including onset, duration, and character of symptoms (e.g., palpitations, lightheadedness, dyspnea).ECG findings demonstrating atrial fibrillation or flutter, including rhythm, rate, and any associated conduction abnormalities.Results of any additional investigations (e.g., echocardiogram, cardiac biomarkers).Treatment plan and response to interventions.
** Further specification of the type and duration of atrial fibrillation or flutter is crucial for accurate coding and appropriate reimbursement.Consider using additional codes to capture associated conditions (e.g., heart failure, stroke).
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this diagnosis code.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Electrophysiology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center