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R94.31
ICD-10-CM
Left Axis Deviation

Understanding Left Axis Deviation: This guide covers causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of left axis deviation LAD on ECG electrocardiogram. Learn about normal axis vs left axis deviation, axis deviation degrees, and related cardiac conditions. Find information on clinical documentation, medical coding, and ICD-10 codes for left axis deviation relevant for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and medical coders. Explore resources for interpreting ECG findings and managing patients with left axis deviation.

Also known as

LAD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R94.31 Coding
I44-I45

Conduction disorders

Includes various heart rhythm disturbances like left axis deviation.

I49

Other cardiac arrhythmias

Covers unspecified or other unclassified arrhythmias, potentially including LAD.

R00-R99

Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings

May be used if LAD is found incidentally or without a specific underlying cause.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is Left Axis Deviation the principal diagnosis?

  • Yes

    Is there underlying heart disease?

  • No

    Is it due to another condition?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left axis deviation
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Inferior myocardial infarction

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document ECG findings: QRS axis <-30 degrees
  • Specify LAD type: normal, left anterior fascicular block, or inferior MI
  • Correlate LAD with clinical context (e.g., symptoms, other ECG findings)
  • Exclude other causes of axis deviation (e.g., ventricular hypertrophy)
  • If LAFB, document QRS duration and rS pattern in leads aVR and V1

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Etiology

    Coding LAD without specifying underlying cause (e.g., inferior MI, LVH) leads to inaccurate severity and risk adjustment.

  • Incomplete Documentation

    Missing ECG interpretation details or clinical indicators in the chart can cause coding errors and claim denials.

  • Misinterpretation of ECG

    Incorrectly identifying LAD on ECG can result in inappropriate coding and affect quality reporting metrics.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document ECG lead placement for accurate LAD diagnosis. ICD-10 I44.4
  • Correlate LAD with clinical findings. CDI query for etiology. I44.4
  • Consider body habitus, age for normal variant LAD. SNOMED CT 253918009
  • Rule out other causes: LVH, conduction defects. Improve CDI. I44.4
  • Repeat ECG, if needed, for consistent findings. Ensure compliance. I44.4

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Review ECG for LAD criteria: QRS axis <-30 degrees
  • Confirm proper lead placement to exclude technical error
  • Correlate with clinical history: HTN, conduction defects, etc.
  • Consider other causes: LVH, inferior MI, WPW syndrome

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Axis Deviation reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (I49.0) impacting cardiology billing.
  • Coding quality directly affects Left Axis Deviation reporting, influencing hospital reimbursement and performance metrics.
  • Precise ECG interpretation and documentation are crucial for appropriate Left Axis Deviation diagnosis and optimal reimbursement.
  • Left Axis Deviation quality metrics impact hospital profiling, potentially affecting future payment models and value-based care.

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
  • Document QRS axis -30 to -90
  • ICD-10 I49.0 for nonspecific LAD
  • Specify if incomplete or complete LAD
  • Correlate ECG findings with clinical picture

Documentation Templates

Left axis deviation (LAD) was noted on electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG).  The patient presents with (insert presenting symptoms, e.g., asymptomatic, palpitations, shortness of breath, syncope, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue).  ECG findings demonstrate a QRS axis greater than -30 degrees, consistent with the diagnostic criteria for left axis deviation.  Differential diagnoses considered include left anterior fascicular block, inferior myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, and other conduction abnormalities.  Patient history includes (insert relevant medical history, e.g., hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, prior myocardial infarction, congenital heart disease, conduction system disease).  Current medications include (list current medications).  Physical examination reveals (insert relevant physical exam findings, e.g., normal heart sounds, presence of murmurs, normal respiratory rate and effort).  Based on the patient's presentation, medical history, and ECG findings, the left axis deviation is likely (insert likely etiology, e.g., physiologic, secondary to left anterior fascicular block, secondary to left ventricular hypertrophy).  Plan includes (insert plan, e.g., further investigation with echocardiogram to assess cardiac structure and function, cardiology consultation, monitoring for symptom progression, no further intervention at this time if asymptomatic and etiology is benign).  ICD-10 code I44.4 (left bundle branch block) may be considered if applicable, depending on the underlying cause and ECG features; however, a more specific code reflecting the underlying etiology should be used if known.  This documentation supports medical billing and coding for appropriate reimbursement.  Patient education provided regarding left axis deviation, potential causes, and treatment plan.  Follow-up scheduled as needed.
Left Axis Deviation - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation