Find information on Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes I48.0 and I48.1, medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices for accurate reporting. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and management of Paroxysmal AFib for optimal patient care and appropriate medical billing. This resource provides guidance on differentiating Paroxysmal AF from persistent and permanent Atrial Fibrillation for precise coding and documentation. Explore resources for healthcare professionals related to Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis and coding compliance.
Also known as
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Sudden, rapid, and irregular heartbeat originating in the atria.
Persistent atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation lasting continuously for more than 7 days.
Chronic atrial fibrillation
Long-standing atrial fibrillation that is accepted and not actively treated.
Atrial fibrillation, unspecified
Atrial fibrillation where the type is not further specified.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the atrial fibrillation paroxysmal?
Yes
Is there atrial fibrillation with a specified duration?
No
Is it persistent?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation |
| Persistent Atrial Fibrillation |
| Permanent Atrial Fibrillation |
Coding PAF without specifying paroxysmal, persistent, or permanent (e.g., using I48.9 instead of I48.0) leads to inaccurate risk adjustment.
Failing to code associated conditions like hypertension, heart failure, or valvular disease with PAF can impact reimbursement and quality metrics.
Incorrect coding of devices like pacemakers or defibrillators used in PAF management can lead to compliance issues and claim denials.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Symptoms include palpitations, intermittent rapid heart rate, occasional shortness of breath, and mild chest discomfort. Onset of symptoms is episodic and self-resolving, typically lasting from a few minutes to several hours. Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) obtained during a symptomatic episode revealed atrial fibrillation with a variable ventricular response rate. Between episodes, the patient's ECG returns to normal sinus rhythm. The patient denies any history of persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. Risk factors for atrial fibrillation assessed, including hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and thyroid dysfunction. Current medications reviewed. Differential diagnosis includes other supraventricular tachycardias, such as atrial flutter and AV nodal reentrant tachycardia. Assessment includes evaluation for cardioembolic stroke risk using the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Plan includes initiation of rate control or rhythm control medication, patient education on lifestyle modifications, and consideration for anticoagulation based on stroke risk stratification. Follow-up scheduled for repeat ECG and assessment of treatment efficacy. ICD-10 code I48.0 for Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation assigned.