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Z86.79
ICD-10-CM
History of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Find comprehensive information on diagnosing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). This resource covers clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (I71.4, I71.3, I71.9 for unspecified), medical coding guidelines, and diagnostic criteria for AAA. Learn about the importance of accurate history taking, physical exam findings, and imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) in AAA diagnosis. Explore best practices for healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Also known as

History of AAA
Past Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Weakened and bulging area in the abdominal aorta.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic, but may include abdominal pain, back pain, or pulsating sensation.
  • Common Settings : Detected during routine screening, or investigated for abdominal or back pain.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z86.79 Coding
I71.4

Aneurysm of abdominal aorta

History of aneurysm in the abdominal part of the aorta.

I71.9

Aortic aneurysm, unspecified

History of an aortic aneurysm, but no specific location provided.

Z87.891

Personal history of other specified diseases

Personal history of an abdominal aortic aneurysm may be coded here if no I71 code fits.

Z95.820

Personal history of aneurysm

Can be used as a supplementary code indicating history of any type of aneurysm.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the abdominal aortic aneurysm currently ruptured?

  • Yes

    Code as I71.3 Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

  • No

    Is the aneurysm symptomatic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Ruptured AAA

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document aneurysm location, size, and morphology.
  • Record symptoms: abdominal pain, back pain, pulsating mass.
  • Note risk factors: smoking, hypertension, family history.
  • Include imaging results: ultrasound, CT, MRI findings.
  • Specify if ruptured or symptomatic for accurate ICD-10 coding.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified AAA Code

    Using unspecified codes (e.g., I71.9) when more specific documentation like size or location is available, impacting reimbursement and data accuracy.

  • Ruptured vs. Unruptured

    Incorrectly coding a ruptured AAA (I71.3) as unruptured (I71.4) or vice versa, leading to significant DRG and quality reporting discrepancies.

  • Present on Admission

    Failure to accurately document present on admission (POA) status for AAA, affecting hospital-acquired condition reporting and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document aneurysm location, size, and morphology for accurate ICD-10 coding (I71.4).
  • Ensure precise CDI documentation of symptom onset, risk factors (smoking, HTN), and family history.
  • Regular monitoring crucial: code Z01.818 for AAA screening; Z03.89 for follow-up exams.
  • For ruptured AAA (I71.3), clearly document signs/symptoms (severe pain, hypotension) and interventions.
  • Timely and compliant coding ensures accurate reimbursement and quality reporting for AAA management.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Documented AAA diameter >= 3.0 cm (ICD-10 I71.4)
  • 2. Imaging report confirms AAA diagnosis (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
  • 3. Review prior notes for AAA history, size, and symptoms
  • 4. Assess for risk factors: smoking, HTN, family history
  • 5. Document AAA management plan: surveillance, intervention

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • History of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (I71.4) for optimal payer payments.
  • Coding quality impacts Case Mix Index (CMI) accuracy, affecting hospital reimbursement and quality reporting.
  • Proper documentation validates medical necessity, reducing claim denials and maximizing revenue integrity.
  • Accurate aneurysm history coding improves risk adjustment models and population health management analysis.

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 confirmed AAA Z95.828
  • Document aneurysm size
  • Specify current status (ruptured/repaired)
  • Query physician for unclear documentation
  • Consider family Hx (Z82.6)

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a history of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).  Initial diagnosis of the abdominal aortic aneurysm was made on [Date of initial diagnosis] and confirmed by [Diagnostic method, e.g., abdominal ultrasound, CT angiogram].  The aneurysm's maximum diameter at the time of diagnosis was [Measurement] cm.  Current symptoms include [List current symptoms, e.g., abdominal pain, back pain, pulsating abdominal mass, or asymptomatic].  Patient denies [Pertinent negatives, e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, syncope].  Risk factors for AAA include [List relevant risk factors, e.g., smoking history, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of AAA, male gender, advanced age].  Past medical history is significant for [List relevant medical history].  Surgical repair of the AAA [was/was not] performed on [Date of surgery, if applicable].  Type of repair, if performed, was [Type of repair, e.g., open surgical repair, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)].  Current management includes [List current management strategies, e.g., surveillance with regular imaging, blood pressure control, smoking cessation counseling, medication management].  Patient education provided regarding AAA rupture risk factors, symptoms of rupture, and the importance of follow-up.  Plan is for continued surveillance with [Imaging modality] in [Timeframe] to monitor aneurysm size and assess for any changes.  Patient understands the risks and benefits of continued surveillance versus surgical intervention.  ICD-10 code I71.4, History of abdominal aortic aneurysm, is assigned.