Find information on permanent atrial fibrillation diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10-CM code I48.2, medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources for managing persistent AFib. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and long-term care considerations for patients with permanent or chronic atrial fibrillation. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand permanent AFib.
Also known as
Atrial fibrillation and flutter
Conditions characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats originating in the atria.
Other cardiac arrhythmias
Covers various heart rhythm disorders not classified elsewhere, potentially including persistent atrial fibrillation.
Heart failure
Atrial fibrillation can contribute to heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the atrial fibrillation documented as permanent?
Yes
Any other cardiac conditions documented?
No
Is it paroxysmal or persistent?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Permanent Atrial Fibrillation |
| Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation |
| Persistent Atrial Fibrillation |
Coding I48.91, unspecified AF, when clinical documentation supports a more specific type like paroxysmal or persistent (I48.0/I48.1) leads to inaccurate risk adjustment and reimbursement.
Incorrectly coding valvular AF (I48.2) without clear documentation of valvular heart disease may trigger audits and denials. Must distinguish rheumatic (I05.0/I05.1) vs. non-rheumatic causes.
Failing to capture co-existing conditions like hypertension, heart failure, or stroke with AF impacts quality metrics and severity scores, impacting reimbursement and care plans.
Patient presents with persistent irregular heart rhythm, consistent with permanent atrial fibrillation. Symptoms include palpitations, occasional shortness of breath on exertion, and fatigue. The patient reports a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, now documented as permanent atrial fibrillation based on sustained duration exceeding one year without documented periods of normal sinus rhythm. Electrocardiogram confirms atrial fibrillation with an irregularly irregular ventricular response rate. Echocardiogram reveals normal left ventricular ejection fraction with no significant valvular abnormalities. CHADS2-VASc score calculated for stroke risk stratification. Risks and benefits of anticoagulation therapy, including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and warfarin, were discussed with the patient. The patient has opted for anticoagulation management with [specify DOAC or warfarin]. Rate control strategy implemented with [specify medication, e.g., beta-blocker, calcium channel blocker]. Patient education provided regarding atrial fibrillation management, including lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and follow-up care. Diagnosis: Permanent atrial fibrillation (I48.91). Plan: Continue current medications. Schedule follow-up appointment in [timeframe] for monitoring of heart rate, rhythm, and anticoagulation status. Patient advised to report any changes in symptoms, including worsening palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath.