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I50.33
ICD-10-CM
Acute on Chronic Diastolic Heart Failure

Understanding Acute on Chronic Diastolic Heart Failure, also known as Acute on Chronic Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction or Acute on Chronic Diastolic Congestive Heart Failure, is crucial for accurate clinical documentation and medical coding. This resource provides information on diagnosis, treatment, and management of this condition, focusing on healthcare best practices and optimized for medical professionals and coding specialists seeking clarity on this complex heart failure presentation. Learn about the nuances of diastolic heart failure, preserved ejection fraction, and the implications of acute decompensation in chronic cases for improved patient care and accurate medical record keeping.

Also known as

Acute on Chronic Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Acute on Chronic Diastolic Congestive Heart Failure

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Worsening of long-term heart failure where the heart doesn't relax properly during filling.
  • Clinical Signs : Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in legs, rapid heart rate, lung congestion.
  • Common Settings : Hospitalization, urgent care, cardiology clinic, primary care office.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I50.33 Coding
I50.3-

Diastolic heart failure

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

I11.0

Hypertensive heart disease with heart failure

High blood pressure leading to heart failure.

I50.-

Heart failure

General category for various types of heart failure.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the EF preserved/normal?

  • Yes

    Acute on chronic?

  • No

    Acute on chronic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Sudden worsening of chronic diastolic heart failure.
Chronic heart failure with impaired relaxation/filling of the ventricles.
Acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document acute decompensation symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, edema).
  • Confirm chronic diastolic HF history with supporting evidence (e.g., prior echo).
  • Specify preserved ejection fraction (LVEF >50%).
  • Note exclusion of alternative diagnoses (e.g., acute systolic HF).
  • Detail treatment plan with medications, interventions, and patient response.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Specificity of Diagnosis

    Coding acute on chronic diastolic HF requires precise documentation of both acute and chronic components, along with diastolic dysfunction evidence (e.g., preserved EF). Ambiguous documentation may lead to less specific codes.

  • Comorbidity Capture

    Diastolic heart failure is often associated with other conditions (e.g., hypertension, atrial fibrillation). Accurate coding and capture of all relevant comorbidities are crucial for proper risk adjustment and reimbursement.

  • Clinical Validation of EF

    Accurate reporting of ejection fraction (EF) is critical for distinguishing diastolic HF (preserved EF) from systolic HF (reduced EF). Lack of documented EF or inconsistent findings can lead to coding errors.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document acute decompensation AND underlying chronic diastolic HF for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Specify symptoms, exam findings, and response to treatment for optimal CDI of diastolic heart failure.
  • Query physician for clarification if documentation lacks details on acuity and chronicity to ensure compliant billing.
  • Ensure documentation supports medical necessity for interventions related to acute on chronic diastolic HF.
  • Code HFpEF precisely to reflect preserved ejection fraction, using appropriate modifiers for acuity.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify HF symptoms: dyspnea, edema, fatigue
  • Check LVEF: >=50% confirms preserved EF
  • Assess for diastolic dysfunction signs: e.g., S4 gallop
  • Review BNP/NT-proBNP levels: elevated in HF
  • Document chronic HF history and acute exacerbation triggers

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Medical Billing: Accurate coding for AHF impacts MS-DRG assignment and reimbursement.
  • Coding Accuracy: Specifying diastolic AHF (I50.33) vs. systolic is crucial for appropriate reimbursement.
  • Hospital Reporting: Proper AHF coding affects quality metrics like readmission rates and mortality.
  • Reimbursement Impact: Diastolic AHF coding influences payment under value-based care models.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How to differentiate acute on chronic diastolic heart failure from acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in a clinical setting?

A: Differentiating acute on chronic diastolic heart failure (HFpEF) from acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) requires careful evaluation. While both present with similar symptoms like dyspnea and edema, key distinctions lie in echocardiographic findings. HFpEF demonstrates preserved ejection fraction (EF > 50%) with evidence of diastolic dysfunction like impaired relaxation or elevated filling pressures. In contrast, HFrEF exhibits reduced EF (< 40%) with systolic dysfunction. Furthermore, patients with acute on chronic diastolic heart failure often have a history of hypertension and other comorbidities like diabetes and atrial fibrillation. Consider implementing a comprehensive assessment including a thorough history, physical exam, echocardiography, and natriuretic peptide levels to accurately distinguish between these two conditions. Explore how incorporating these elements can enhance your diagnostic accuracy.

Q: What are the best evidence-based management strategies for acute on chronic diastolic heart failure exacerbations in patients with multiple comorbidities?

A: Managing acute on chronic diastolic heart failure exacerbations in patients with multiple comorbidities requires a tailored approach. Given the frequent presence of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, treatment focuses on optimizing these underlying conditions alongside heart failure management. Evidence-based strategies include aggressive diuresis to relieve congestion, careful blood pressure control to avoid hypotension, and meticulous monitoring of renal function. Additionally, optimizing heart rate control, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation, is crucial. Learn more about the individualized approaches for managing these complex patients considering their comorbidity profile and exploring the latest guidelines for optimal management.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code I50.31 for acute on chronic diastolic HF
  • Document LVEF to support diastolic HF
  • Query physician if EF not documented
  • Consider I50.30 if chronic diastolic HF only
  • Check ICD-10-CM guidelines for HF coding

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with acute on chronic diastolic heart failure (also known as acute on chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction or acute on chronic diastolic congestive heart failure).  The patient's symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea), particularly with exertion and when lying flat (orthopnea), paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, fatigue, and peripheral edema.  Physical exam reveals elevated jugular venous pressure, pulmonary rales or crackles, and an S3 heart sound.  Echocardiogram demonstrates preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than or equal to 50%, with evidence of diastolic dysfunction such as impaired left ventricular relaxation or increased filling pressures.  The patient's medical history includes long-standing hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, both of which are contributing factors to their chronic diastolic heart failure.  Current medications include lisinopril, metformin, and rosuvastatin.  Assessment includes review of BNP levels and assessment of renal function.  Plan includes optimization of diuretic therapy to manage fluid overload, adjustment of blood pressure medications to achieve optimal control, and patient education regarding fluid restriction and sodium intake.  Differential diagnoses considered include acute decompensated heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia.  Follow-up echocardiogram and cardiology consultation are scheduled.