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I21.4
ICD-10-CM
NSTEMI

Learn about NSTEMI diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10 codes I21.4 and related), and best practices for healthcare professionals. Understand the difference between NSTEMI and STEMI, troponin levels, EKG findings, and appropriate treatment strategies. This resource provides information on accurate NSTEMI diagnosis, optimal patient care, and proper medical coding for reimbursement.

Also known as

Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Subendocardial Infarction

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A heart attack where blood flow to the heart is reduced, not fully blocked, causing chest pain.
  • Clinical Signs : Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness.
  • Common Settings : Emergency Room, Cardiac Care Unit, Catheterization Lab

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I21.4 Coding
I21.4

Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

Heart attack without ST elevation on EKG.

I21.A1

NSTEMI type 2 myocardial infarction

NSTEMI due to supply-demand mismatch, not plaque rupture.

I21.A9

NSTEMI unspecified

NSTEMI where the specific type is not documented.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is there evidence of myocardial necrosis?

  • Yes

    ST elevation present?

  • No

    Ischemic symptoms present?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
NSTEMI: Partial heart artery blockage
Unstable Angina: Chest pain without heart damage
STEMI: Complete heart artery blockage

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • NSTEMI diagnosis documentation: ECG findings
  • NSTEMI clinical documentation: Troponin levels
  • Document NSTEMI symptoms: Chest pain characteristics
  • NSTEMI medical coding: Risk factors documentation
  • NSTEMI diagnosis: Include TIMI risk score

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Troponin Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of elevated troponin levels to support NSTEMI diagnosis, leading to coding errors and potential denials.

  • Unstable Angina Coding

    Miscoding unstable angina as NSTEMI or vice versa due to overlapping symptoms, impacting reimbursement and data accuracy.

  • MI Type Specificity

    Lack of clear documentation specifying the type of MI (Type 1, 2, etc.) can lead to incorrect NSTEMI coding and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document NSTEMI symptoms, risk factors, troponin, ECG for accurate ICD-10 I21.4 coding.
  • CDI: Query physician for symptom onset time, duration, and character for complete NSTEMI record.
  • Healthcare compliance: Ensure timely EKG review, troponin testing per NSTEMI guidelines.
  • Code NSTEMI complications like heart failure (I50.x) for proper reimbursement.
  • CDI: Differentiate unstable angina (I20.0) from NSTEMI via documented myocardial necrosis.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Ischemic symptoms present ICD-10 I21.4
  • 2. Elevated troponin documented patient safety
  • 3. No ST-elevation on ECG clinical documentation
  • 4. TIMI score assessed risk stratification

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • NSTEMI Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts MS-DRG assignment, affecting hospital payments.
  • NSTEMI Quality Metrics: Timely PCI and medication administration influence publicly reported performance.
  • Coding NSTEMI: Accurate documentation of troponin, ECG findings crucial for appropriate reimbursement.
  • NSTEMI Reporting: Impacts hospital value-based purchasing programs tied to quality outcomes.

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 NSTEMI with I21.4
  • Document ECG changes
  • Confirm elevated troponin
  • Query physician for clarity
  • Check inclusion/exclusion criteria

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a chief complaint of chest pain, consistent with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).  Symptoms include pressure, tightness, and discomfort in the chest, radiating to the left arm and jaw.  Onset occurred approximately two hours prior to arrival.  Patient denies shortness of breath, diaphoresis, or nausea.  Past medical history significant for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and a family history of coronary artery disease.  Current medications include lisinopril and atorvastatin.  Physical exam reveals a heart rate of 88 bpm, blood pressure of 14090 mmHg, and regular rhythm.  Lungs are clear to auscultation.  Electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrates ST segment depression and T wave inversion in leads V2-V4.  Cardiac biomarkers, including troponin I and CK-MB, are elevated.  Diagnosis of NSTEMI is confirmed based on clinical presentation, ECG findings, and positive cardiac biomarkers.  Treatment plan includes aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, nitroglycerin, beta-blocker therapy, and oxygen.  Patient will be admitted for continuous cardiac monitoring, serial cardiac enzyme measurements, and further evaluation for coronary angiography and possible percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).  Differential diagnosis includes unstable angina, pericarditis, and musculoskeletal chest pain.  Medical coding will utilize ICD-10 code I21.4 for NSTEMI.  This documentation meets clinical documentation improvement (CDI) standards and supports accurate medical billing and coding.
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