2025 ICD-10-CM code I48.1
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Other forms of heart disease - Atrial fibrillation and flutter Diseases of the circulatory system Feed
Persistent atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat where the atria beat chaotically and rapidly.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service (e.g., place of service, type of service). Consult the appropriate coding guidelines and payer policies for specific modifier usage.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and management of persistent atrial fibrillation is established by the presence of symptoms and/or ECG evidence of the condition, particularly in cases where there's a risk of stroke, heart failure, or other complications.Documentation must support the medical necessity of the services rendered based on the patient's clinical presentation and risk profile.
Diagnosis and management of persistent atrial fibrillation typically involve a cardiologist or other qualified healthcare professional. Responsibilities include comprehensive history taking, physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, potential additional testing (e.g., echocardiography, Holter monitoring), and appropriate treatment based on patient-specific factors.
In simple words: Persistent atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat that lasts for more than a week. It means the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat very fast and irregularly. This can lead to problems like stroke, heart failure, or blood clots.
Persistent atrial fibrillation (I48.1) is an irregular heartbeat characterized by chaotic and rapid atrial activity.Unlike paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which occurs in episodes, persistent atrial fibrillation is continuous and lasts for more than seven days. It can lead to various complications, including stroke, heart failure, and blood clots.The diagnosis requires electrocardiographic confirmation and may involve further investigations to determine underlying causes and appropriate management strategies.
Example 1: A 70-year-old male patient presents with complaints of palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath for the past two weeks. ECG reveals persistent atrial fibrillation.The cardiologist initiates anticoagulation therapy (e.g., warfarin, apixaban) to prevent stroke and further evaluates for underlying cardiac conditions. , A 65-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension and diabetes is admitted to the hospital with new-onset persistent atrial fibrillation after a recent upper respiratory tract infection.The physician performs a thorough assessment, including an echocardiogram to evaluate for cardiac dysfunction, and manages the condition with rate control medications and anticoagulants., A 50-year-old patient with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation undergoes a catheter ablation procedure to restore normal sinus rhythm. Following the procedure, the patient is monitored for potential complications and receives antiarrhythmic medications to maintain sinus rhythm.
* Detailed patient history including symptoms (e.g., palpitations, dyspnea, fatigue), duration, and associated risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, heart failure).* Physical examination findings.* Electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrating persistent atrial fibrillation (at least 7 days).* Results of any additional testing (e.g., echocardiography, Holter monitoring, cardiac biomarkers).* Documentation of treatment plan (e.g., medications, procedures, lifestyle modifications).* Progress notes throughout the treatment course.
** This code should be used only when atrial fibrillation has persisted for more than 7 days.For shorter durations, code I48.0 (Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) may be more appropriate.Always consider the specific clinical context when coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center