Cardiac Arrest ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Cardiac Arrest

Understanding the correct ICD-10 codes for specific conditions is vital in the complex medical billing and documentation world. When it comes to cardiac arrest, a life-threatening emergency, accuracy in coding is paramount. Here are the most commonly used ICD-10 codes for cardiac arrest:

• I46: This code is a broad term that represents cardiac arrest. It describes any sudden cessation of heart function, irrespective of the underlying cause or triggers. This general code provides a starting point for coders and medical professionals looking to document instances of cardiac arrest.

• I46.9: When the exact cause of a patient's cardiac arrest is unknown or hasn't been documented, the ICD-10 code I46.9 is applied. This code signifies an unspecified cardiac arrest, providing room for cases where the triggering factors or underlying conditions remain uncertain or unclear.

• I46.8: There are instances where cardiac arrest occurs due to a non-cardiac underlying condition. These could include respiratory issues, metabolic disorders, or other systemic conditions. In such cases, the appropriate ICD-10 code to use would be I46.8. This code helps differentiate these cases from those where cardiac factors are the primary cause of the arrest.

• I46.2: If the cardiac arrest is directly linked to a heart-related issue, such as myocardial infarction or heart failure, then the I46.2 code is used. This code is essential in distinguishing cases where cardiac arrest is a direct consequence of an existing cardiac condition.

• Z86.74: For patients who have previously experienced a cardiac arrest, the Z86.74 code is used. This code is a part of the personal history codes and is applied to signify a patient's history of sudden cardiac arrest.

• P29.81: In the unfortunate instances where a newborn experiences a cardiac arrest, the P29.81 code is applied. This code helps document these severe neonatal cases accurately.

Deciphering these codes and understanding their specific applications can be challenging. For a more detailed understanding of these codes and how they apply to various clinical scenarios, refer to our comprehensive Cardiac Arrest ICD Codes .

This in-depth resource provides detailed explanations for these codes and an explainer video for visual learners. 

Whether you are a seasoned medical coder or a healthcare professional seeking to understand the intricacies of ICD-10 coding for cardiac arrest, this guide will be valuable.

Which Cardiac Arrest ICD Codes are Billable?

All the above codes (I46, I46.9, I46.8, I46.2, Z86.74, P29.81) are billable. They can be used for claim submission purposes.

Clinical Information

• Cardiac arrest is marked by a sudden stop in effective blood flow due to the failure of the heart to contract effectively.
• The cardinal symptoms include loss of consciousness and the absence of a detectable pulse. These symptoms occur suddenly and often without warning.
• Multiple factors can trigger cardiac arrest. It may be precipitated by coronary artery disease. In this common condition, plaque builds up in the arteries supplying the heart, impeding blood flow and potentially leading to a heart attack.
• Significant blood loss, known as hemorrhagic shock, can also cause cardiac arrest by reducing the amount of blood the heart can pump.
• Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, is another potential trigger. This could be due to severe asthma, choking, drowning, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Other possible causes include hyperthyroidism, which can put excessive strain on the heart; drug abuse, particularly of stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine that can disrupt heart rhythms; and severe physical stress, such as intense physical exertion, trauma, or severe illness.
• Cardiac arrest is an extreme medical emergency that necessitates immediate intervention. The mainstay of treatment is to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, typically through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or defibrillation.
• CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to manually stimulate the heart and lungs, while defibrillation uses electrical shocks to reset the heart's rhythm.
• Even with prompt treatment, cardiac arrest can lead to death or serious complications such as brain damage due to lack of oxygen. As such, prevention and early detection of risk factors are key.

Synonyms Include:

• Heart arrest
• Cardiopulmonary arrest
• Sudden cardiac death
• Circulatory arrest
• Asystole