Find information on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening, also known as AAA Screening or Aortic Aneurysm Screening. This resource offers guidance on healthcare documentation, clinical coding, and medical billing related to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. Learn about diagnosis codes, screening guidelines, and best practices for accurate clinical documentation for Aortic Aneurysm Screening.
Also known as
Abdominal aortic aneurysm, screened
Identifies abdominal aortic aneurysms found through screening.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm, asymptomatic
Abdominal aortic aneurysm discovered but without symptoms.
Encounter for screening for cardiovascular disorders
Includes encounters specifically for cardiovascular screening.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the screening for a ruptured AAA?
Yes
Code I71.3 for Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
No
Is an aneurysm found?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Bulge in abdominal aorta. |
| Suspected widening of aorta. |
| Screen for aortic aneurysm. |
Risk of inaccurate coding due to unspecified aneurysm location (thoracic vs. abdominal) impacting reimbursement and quality metrics. Use ICD-10-CM codes I71.3-I71.9 for specific aneurysm types.
Incorrectly coding a screening AAA ultrasound (Z13.79) as a diagnostic study for a symptomatic patient. This can lead to claims denials and inaccurate data reporting. Proper documentation is crucial.
Missing or inadequate documentation of aneurysm size. Accurate size is critical for appropriate risk stratification, treatment planning, and accurate coding. CDI specialists can query for this information.
Q: What are the current USPSTF recommendations for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening in men and women?
A: The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening for men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. For men aged 65 to 75 years who have never smoked, the USPSTF recommends selectively offering AAA screening. The decision to screen men who have never smoked should be made on an individual basis, considering patient risk factors and preferences. The USPSTF recommends against routine AAA screening in women who have never smoked. For women aged 65 to 75 who have a smoking history, evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of AAA screening. Consider implementing these recommendations into your practice to ensure appropriate AAA screening. Learn more about risk factors for AAA to further refine patient selection.
Q: How do I accurately interpret abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound results and determine next steps for my patient?
A: Accurate interpretation of AAA ultrasound results involves measuring the maximum aortic diameter in the anteroposterior dimension. An aortic diameter of 3.0 cm or larger is generally considered an AAA. For patients with an AAA of 3.0-4.0 cm, repeat ultrasound surveillance every 2-3 years is recommended. If the aneurysm measures 4.0-4.9 cm, ultrasound surveillance should be performed every 6-12 months. For aneurysms 5.0-5.4 cm, or those expanding rapidly (>0.5 cm/6 months or >1.0 cm/year), consider referring the patient to a vascular specialist for further evaluation and potential intervention. Aneurysms 5.5 cm or larger typically warrant referral for surgical repair. Explore how implementing standardized reporting templates can improve the clarity and actionability of ultrasound reports for AAA.
Patient presents for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. Risk factors for AAA, including age, male gender, smoking history, family history of AAA, and history of peripheral artery disease, were reviewed. The patient's current symptoms, if any, such as abdominal pain, back pain, or pulsatile abdominal mass, were documented. A physical exam, including palpation of the abdomen, was performed. An abdominal ultrasound was ordered to assess the abdominal aorta diameter and screen for the presence of an aneurysm. Pre-screening counseling included discussion of AAA rupture risk, symptoms of rupture, and the importance of follow-up. Post-screening counseling, based on ultrasound findings, included recommendations for surveillance, further imaging such as CT angiography if indicated, or referral to vascular surgery for consultation regarding potential surgical repair. ICD-10 code Z13.79 (Encounter for screening for other specified cardiovascular diseases) and CPT code 76706 (Ultrasound, abdominal, real time with image documentation) were considered for billing and coding purposes. The patient demonstrated understanding of the screening procedure, risks, and benefits. Follow-up plan and patient education materials were provided.