2025 ICD-10-CM code I48.11
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Cardiac arrhythmias - Other forms of heart disease Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99) Feed
Longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation; atrial fibrillation that does not terminate within seven days or requires repeated cardioversion.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the service and provider. Refer to the appropriate CPT or HCPCS modifier guidelines.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis code is established through documentation supporting the persistent nature of the atrial fibrillation (duration exceeding 7 days) and the need for repeated interventions to restore or maintain sinus rhythm.The documentation must justify the clinical indication for the chosen code and should align with generally accepted medical practices.
The clinical responsibility for this diagnosis includes accurate documentation of the duration and management of the atrial fibrillation, including attempts at cardioversion, and the overall care of the patient with this arrhythmia.
- Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99)
- I48.11 falls under the broader category of I48 (Atrial fibrillation).
In simple words: This code describes a type of irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) that lasts for more than a week and needs repeated treatments (like medicine or electrical shocks) to fix.
This code signifies longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation, a type of atrial fibrillation characterized by its persistence for more than seven days, necessitating repeated attempts at pharmacological or electrical cardioversion to restore a normal sinus rhythm.The condition is distinguished from other forms of atrial fibrillation by its duration and the need for repeated interventions.
Example 1: A 70-year-old male patient presents with persistent atrial fibrillation for 10 days, requiring two attempts at cardioversion with medication before achieving sinus rhythm., A 65-year-old female patient with a history of longstanding atrial fibrillation is admitted to the hospital for recurrent episodes of rapid ventricular response despite medication management, requiring multiple cardioversions., A 55-year-old patient presents with atrial fibrillation lasting 14 days; despite cardioversion treatment, the patient continued to have episodes of atrial fibrillation requiring repeat cardioversion treatment.
Detailed documentation must include the duration of atrial fibrillation (greater than 7 days), the number of cardioversion attempts, the methods of cardioversion (pharmacological or electrical), and the response to treatment.Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, rhythm strips, and any other relevant clinical information should be documented.
** This code is specifically for longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation.If the atrial fibrillation is permanent (no attempt at cardioversion is planned or possible), I48.21 should be used instead. The distinction between "longstanding persistent" and "chronic" is crucial for accurate coding. "Chronic atrial fibrillation, unspecified" (I48.20) is a less specific code and should only be used when more precise information is unavailable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this ICD-10-CM code.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Electrophysiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office