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I44.1
ICD-10-CM
High-Degree Atrioventricular Block

Understanding High-Degree AV Block: Find information on diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding for High-Degree Atrioventricular Block. This resource covers ECG findings, symptoms, treatment, and ICD-10 codes (I44.2, I44.3) for Second-Degree AV Block Mobitz Type II and Third-Degree AV Block (Complete Heart Block). Learn about risk factors, prognosis, and best practices for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with advanced heart block.

Also known as

High-Grade AV Block
Advanced AV Block

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Slow or absent conduction between atria and ventricles
  • Clinical Signs : Dizziness, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath, slow heart rate
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, cardiology clinic, inpatient hospital

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I44.1 Coding
I44.2

Atrioventricular block, complete

Complete heart block where atria and ventricles beat independently.

I44.1

Second degree AV block

Some atrial impulses fail to reach the ventricles, causing dropped beats.

I44.3

AV block, unspecified

Atrioventricular block without further specification of type or degree.

I45.5

Other specified conduction disorders

Includes other specified heart rhythm conduction disturbances, not elsewhere classified.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the AV block Third Degree (Complete)?

  • Yes

    With narrow QRS?

  • No

    Is it Second Degree?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
High-degree AV block
Second-degree AV block
First-degree AV block

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document ECG findings: P waves, QRS complexes, PR interval, AV dissociation
  • Specify degree of AV block: First, Second (Mobitz I/II), or Third-degree
  • Symptoms: Syncope, dizziness, palpitations, bradycardia, hypotension
  • Underlying causes or contributing factors if known: Medications, ischemia
  • Treatment provided or planned: Observation, pacemaker, atropine

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Block Level

    Coding high-degree AV block without specifying second or third degree can lead to downcoding and lost revenue. CDI should clarify.

  • Missed Underlying Cause

    Failing to code the underlying cause of high-degree AV block (e.g., MI) impacts risk adjustment and accurate reporting. CDI crucial.

  • Device Implant Coding

    Inaccurate coding of pacemaker or ICD implantation with high-degree AV block affects reimbursement and quality metrics. CDI review needed.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document AV block morphology: ECG, Holter
  • Specify degree of AV block: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
  • Correlate symptoms with AV block severity
  • Document underlying causes: ischemia, drugs
  • Code accurately: I44.0-I44.3, I45.8, I45.9

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify prolonged PR interval ECG
  • Confirm AV dissociation or dropped QRS
  • Assess for bradycardia symptoms dizziness syncope
  • Check medications beta blockers calcium channel blockers
  • Document complete heart block type and severity

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • High-Degree Atrioventricular Block reimbursement impacts coding accuracy, impacting DRG assignment and hospital payments.
  • Accurate ICD-10-CM coding (I44.x) is crucial for appropriate High-Degree AV Block reimbursement.
  • Quality metrics for High-Degree AV Block include time to treatment and monitoring compliance, impacting hospital reporting.
  • Coding validation and physician documentation improve High-Degree AV Block claims processing and reduce denials.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code AV block severity
  • Document PR interval
  • Check diagnostic criteria
  • Specify 2nd or 3rd degree
  • Consider underlying cause

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block.  Presenting complaints may include dizziness, syncope, presyncope, fatigue, shortness of breath, or palpitations.  On examination, the patient may exhibit bradycardia, hypotension, or signs of heart failure.  Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings demonstrate high-degree AV block, characterized by significantly prolonged PR intervals, dropped QRS complexes, or a complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular activity.  The diagnosis of high-degree AV block is confirmed based on ECG interpretation meeting established diagnostic criteria.  Differential diagnoses considered include sinus bradycardia, second-degree AV block, and other conduction system disorders.  Risk factors assessed include ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, electrolyte imbalances, and medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin.  Treatment plan may include observation, temporary pacing, or permanent pacemaker implantation, depending on the severity of symptoms and hemodynamic stability.  Patient education provided on medication management, pacemaker care if applicable, and follow-up appointments.  ICD-10 code I44.2, Atrioventricular block, complete, will be utilized for billing and coding purposes.  Continued monitoring of cardiac rhythm and symptoms is warranted.