ICD-10 Codes for Congestive Heart Failure

Don’t know where to look for the ICD-10-CM codes for congestive heart failure? This blog has got just what you need. You will find all the ICD 10 codes associated with CHF along with their descriptions below. Also, we have mentioned some expert coding tips that might come in handy for you.

In addition, unlock efficiency with our expert medical coding solutions. Our high-precision coding services align with the latest ICD-10 guidelines. Learn more about how we streamline compliance.

List of ICD-10 Codes for Congestive Heart Failure

The primary code for congestive heart failure is I50. It is associated with heart failure as a non-billable code. There are six categories of the ICD 10 code I50. Let’s look at those categories in detail:

• ICD 10 Code I50.1

This code is associated with an unspecified left ventricular failure. It is a billable code and the ICD-9-CM code for this disease is 428.1.

• ICD 10 Code I50.2

This code is associated with systolic (congestive) heart failure. It is non-billable as it has subtypes with more details about the disease. Here is a closer look at those subtypes:

ICD-10 Code	Disease-Associated	ICD-9-CM Code	Billable/Non-Billable
I50.20	Unspecified systolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.20
I50.21	Acute systolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.21
I50.22	Chronic systolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.22
I50.23	Acute on chronic systolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.23

• ICD 10 Code I50.3

This code is associated with diastolic (congestive) heart failure. It is also non-billable due to its subtypes that have more details about the disease. Here is a closer look at those subtypes:

ICD-10 Code	Disease-Associated	ICD-9-CM Code	Billable/Non-Billable
I50.30	Unspecified diastolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.30
I50.31	Acute diastolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.31
I50.32	Chronic diastolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.32
I50.33	Acute on chronic diastolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.33

 

• ICD 10 Code I50.4

This code is associated with a combined systolic (congestive) and diastolic (congestive) heart failure. It is non-billable as it has four subtypes with more details about this disease. Here is a closer look at those subtypes:

ICD-10 Code	Disease-Associated	ICD-9-CM Code	Billable/Non-Billable
I50.40	Unspecified combined systolic (congestive) and diastolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.40
I50.41	Acute combined systolic (congestive) and diastolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.41
I50.42	Chronic combined systolic (congestive) and diastolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.42
I50.43	Acute on chronic combined systolic (congestive) and diastolic (congestive) heart failure	Billable	428.43

 

• ICD 10 Code I50.8

This code is associated with other forms of heart failure. It is a non-billable code as its subtypes have more details about those forms. Here is a detailed look at them:

ICD-10 Code	Disease-Associated	ICD-9-CM Code	Billable/Non-Billable
I50.81	Right heart failure	Non-Billable	N/A
I50.810	Right heart failure, unspecified	Billable	428.9
I50.811	Acute right heart failure	Billable	428.9
I50.812	Chronic right heart failure	Billable	428.9
I50.813	Acute on chronic right heart failure	Billable	428.9
I50.814	Right heart failure due to left heart failure	Billable	428.0
I50.82	Biventricular heart failure	Billable	428.9
I50.83	High-output heart failure	Billable	428.9
I50.84	End-stage heart failure	Billable	428.9
I50.89	Other heart failure	Billable	428.9

 

• ICD 10 Code I50.9

This code is associated with an unspecified heart failure. It is also billable and the relevant ICD-9-CM code is 428.0.

Tips for Accurate ICD-10 Coding

We will also provide some tips that can help you assign accurate ICD 10 codes for your congestive heart failure patients. Take a look at the best coding practices, common errors, and how you can stay updated with its changes:

Best Practices for Coding Congestive Heart Failure

• Comprehensive Documentation: Ensure that you have documented the specific type of heart failure. You should also document its severity and any contributing factors. The factors can comprise lab results, imaging studies, and clinical evaluations.
• Understand CHF Classifications: Familiarize yourself with the specific classifications for congestive heart failure. You should also know about their corresponding codes to ensure accurate coding.
• Highest Specificity Level Coding: Consider a patient who is diagnosed with HFrEF. In this case, you should avoid using a generic heart failure code. An example of a generic code is I50.9 (heart failure, unspecified). Instead, you should use the ICD-10-CM code I50.22. It applies to chronic systolic heart failure and specifically reflects the diagnosis.
• Consider Comorbidities: Identify and code all relevant comorbidities as well. An example is I25.10 for coronary artery disease or I10 for hypertension. Comorbidities provide a comprehensive view of the patient’s health status.
• Use Combination Codes: A patient can have heart failure due to hypertension. You can use a combination code like I11.0 for Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure). It is sometimes better than coding different medical conditions separately.
• Stay Updated with Guidelines: Regularly review the official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines and updates. They are usually released by official regulatory agencies and insurance companies. This way, you can ensure compliance with the latest standards.

How to Avoid Common Coding Errors?

• Incorrect Code Assignment: Review the medical records thoroughly. Cross-reference them with the ICD-10-CM manual as well. This way, you can ensure that the correct code is used.
• Missing or Incomplete Documentation: Sometimes, a medical record may lack necessary details. Ensure that you get the additional information timely before coding.
• Coding Symptoms Instead of Diagnosis: Ensure the code applies to the confirmed diagnosis and not just the symptoms. For example, use the appropriate CHF code instead of the ones for dyspnea.
• Failure to Code Comorbidities: Review the entire medical record to identify and code all comorbidities. This ensures the patient’s overall health status is accurately captured.
• Incorrect Sequencing of Codes: Always prioritize the primary diagnosis first. It should be followed by secondary conditions and comorbidities in the correct order.
• Overcoding or Undercoding: Code only what is documented in the medical record. Also, ensure that all your codes are justified by the documentation.

Staying Updated with ICD-10 Changes

• Review Coding Manuals Regularly: You should regularly review the latest ICD-10-CM coding manuals and guidelines. This helps ensure that you are using the most current codes.
• Use Coding Software: Consider using a coding software that includes updates and alerts for ICD-10 changes. A software can assist in efficient code selection and ensure compliance with the latest standards.
• Participate in Coding Audits: Regularly review your coded charts through audits to identify and correct errors. This practice helps improve accuracy and ensures that you follow the set coding guidelines.

The Bottom Line

This blog covered all the codes associated with congestive heart failure. The primary code identified is I50 that can be applied to heart failure. We also covered the best coding practices, ways to avoid common coding errors, and how to stay updated with coding changes. Contact Health Quest Billing and get the best coding services for your ICD-10-CM codes.