In simple words: A birth defect where the heart's aortic valve, which controls blood flow, doesn't close properly. This allows some blood to flow backward, making the heart work harder.

Congenital insufficiency of the aortic valve, a condition where the aortic valve does not close completely, allowing blood to leak back into the left ventricle. This can be associated with a bicuspid aortic valve, where the valve has two leaflets instead of the normal three.

Example 1: A newborn infant is diagnosed with a heart murmur. An echocardiogram reveals congenital aortic insufficiency with a bicuspid aortic valve. Both Q23.1 and Q23.81 would be coded., A 30-year-old adult presents with shortness of breath and fatigue. Diagnostic tests reveal aortic insufficiency and a bicuspid aortic valve. This patient would be coded with Q23.1 and Q23.81, representing the congenital nature of the defect., A 60-year-old individual experiences symptoms of heart failure.An echocardiogram shows severe aortic insufficiency, but no other valvular abnormalities are found, and there is no history of rheumatic fever.The insufficiency is determined to be degenerative, not congenital.Therefore, only I35.1 would be used in this case.

Thorough documentation is crucial for accurate coding. This should include diagnostic imaging reports (such as echocardiograms, cardiac MRI, or CT scans) confirming the presence and severity of aortic insufficiency, along with any associated findings like a bicuspid aortic valve.Any related symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, and their impact on the patient's functional status should also be documented. Physician notes detailing the diagnosis, treatment plan, and ongoing management are essential.

** Familial bicuspid aortic valve is a rare genetic condition where two or more first-degree relatives have a bicuspid aortic valve (Q23.81).While Q23.1 describes the insufficiency, it is often associated with Q23.81.