2025 ICD-10-CM code I49
Other cardiac arrhythmias. This code should be used when a more specific cardiac arrhythmia code is not available.
Medical necessity for the evaluation and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias is based on the patient's symptoms, the type and severity of the arrhythmia, and the potential for complications. Documentation should support the medical necessity of any procedures or treatments performed.
Physicians, particularly cardiologists, are responsible for diagnosing and managing cardiac arrhythmias. Accurate documentation of the type of arrhythmia and any underlying conditions is crucial for proper coding and billing.
In simple words: This code represents a general category for irregular heartbeats when a more precise diagnosis isn't available. It covers situations where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or simply out of rhythm, excluding specific conditions like slow heart rate (bradycardia) in newborns or during pregnancy.
Other cardiac arrhythmias. Code first any underlying heart disease. Use additional code to identify any associated delirium or acute confusional state. Code first cardiac arrhythmia complicating: abortion or ectopic or molar pregnancy (O00-O07, O08.8); obstetric surgery and procedures (O75.4). Excludes2: bradycardia NOS (R00.1); neonatal dysrhythmia (P29.1-); sinoatrial bradycardia (R00.1); sinus bradycardia (R00.1); vagal bradycardia (R00.1).
Example 1: A patient presents with palpitations and dizziness. An EKG reveals an irregular heartbeat, but the specific type of arrhythmia is not identified. I49 is used., A patient with a history of heart disease experiences an episode of rapid heartbeat. The documentation notes "cardiac arrhythmia," but doesn't specify the type. I49 is used., A pregnant woman experiences an abnormal heart rhythm during labor. After ruling out specific pregnancy-related conditions, I49 is used if no other specific arrhythmia code applies.
Documentation should include details of the arrhythmia, such as the rate, rhythm, and any symptoms experienced by the patient. EKG findings and any other diagnostic tests should also be documented. If a specific type of arrhythmia is identified, a more specific code should be used instead of I49.
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- Specialties:Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine
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