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Q67.6
ICD-10-CM
Pectus Excavatum

Find comprehensive information on Pectus Excavatum, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, healthcare guidelines, surgical repair, Nuss procedure, Ravitch procedure, Haller index, and treatment options. This resource provides details on diagnosis, symptoms, severity assessment, and pre- and post-operative care for Pectus Excavatum for healthcare professionals and patients. Learn about the latest research, clinical trials, and best practices related to Pectus Excavatum management.

Also known as

Funnel Chest
Sunken Chest

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Congenital chest wall deformity where the breastbone sinks inward.
  • Clinical Signs : Sunken chest, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, heart murmur.
  • Common Settings : Pediatric cardiology, thoracic surgery, Nuss procedure, vacuum bell therapy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Q67.6 Coding
Q67.6

Pectus excavatum

Sunken or funnel chest.

Q67.0-Q67.9

Congenital deformities of chest

Birth defects affecting the chest wall shape and structure.

Q65.0-Q67.9

Congenital deformities of thorax

Birth defects affecting the chest and rib cage.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the pectus excavatum congenital?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Sunken chest wall
Pigeon chest
Poland syndrome

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Pectus Excavatum diagnosis: Document Haller Index from CT scan.
  • Severity: Describe sternal depression depth & asymmetry.
  • Symptoms: Specify breathing difficulty, chest pain, etc.
  • Associated conditions: Note scoliosis, Marfan syndrome, etc.
  • Surgical repair: Document Nuss procedure, Ravitch technique, etc.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Severity

    Coding Pectus Excavatum without specifying severity (mild, moderate, severe) using Q67.6 can lead to underpayment and inaccurate clinical documentation.

  • Missed Comorbidities

    Failing to code associated conditions like mitral valve prolapse or scoliosis alongside Pectus Excavatum (Q67.6) can impact risk adjustment and quality metrics.

  • Surgical vs. Non-Surgical

    Incorrectly coding Nuss procedure or Ravitch repair for Pectus Excavatum without documenting surgical intervention can result in coding errors and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document severity using Haller Index for accurate ICD-10 coding (Q67.6).
  • Thorough physical exam, imaging crucial for pre-op Nuss procedure CDI.
  • Monitor respiratory function, exercise tolerance. Code complications (J96.0).
  • Compliance: Informed consent vital for surgical, non-surgical interventions.
  • Regular follow-up, document progression, optimize long-term patient outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Visual inspection: Observe chest for inward depression of sternum.
  • Haller index: CT scan measurement >2.5 confirms diagnosis.
  • Evaluate for symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue.
  • Family history: Document any familial occurrence of pectus excavatum.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Pectus Excavatum Reimbursement: CPT codes 39503, 39540, 39545 impact DRG assignment and hospital payments. Accurate coding crucial for maximizing reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Pectus Excavatum repair surgical site infection (SSI) rates, reported via NHSN, affect hospital quality scores and value-based payments.
  • Coding Accuracy Impact: Precise documentation of Nuss procedure, Ravitch repair, or other techniques vital for correct code assignment and claim acceptance.
  • Hospital Reporting Impact: Pectus Excavatum cases contribute to cardiothoracic surgery volume data, influencing hospital rankings and resource allocation.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code primary Q67.6
  • Specify severity if documented
  • Add any associated conditions
  • Check for surgical repair codes
  • Document funnel chest details

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with pectus excavatum, a congenital chest wall deformity characterized by a depressed sternum.  The patient reports [mild, moderate, or severe]  sunken chest appearance, which [is or is not] causing  functional limitations.  Assessment reveals a noticeable concavity of the anterior chest wall with [symmetrical or asymmetrical] depression of the sternum and adjacent costal cartilages.  The Haller index, measured from CT scan imaging, was calculated to be [insert Haller index value], indicating [mild, moderate, or severe] pectus excavatum.  Patient denies shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations at rest.  Lung auscultation reveals clear breath sounds bilaterally. Cardiac examination is within normal limits.  The patient's medical history is significant for [list relevant medical history, or state 'no significant medical history'].  Family history is positive negative for pectus excavatum.  Current symptoms include [list current symptoms or state 'no current symptoms other than cosmetic concerns'].  Differential diagnosis includes other chest wall deformities such as pectus carinatum.  The patient was counseled on the natural history of pectus excavatum, potential complications, and treatment options including conservative management, the Nuss procedure, Ravitch procedure, and vacuum bell therapy.  Treatment recommendations were discussed and documented, including potential risks and benefits.  Follow-up is scheduled to further evaluate the patient's condition and discuss treatment plan preferences.  ICD-10 code Q67.6 for pectus excavatum has been assigned.  CPT codes for evaluation and management were also documented, based on the complexity of the visit.
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