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I80.9
ICD-10-CM
Phlebitis

Understanding phlebitis diagnosis, treatment, and documentation is crucial for healthcare professionals. This resource provides information on superficial phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thrombophlebitis, intravenous (IV) site phlebitis, and associated symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness. Learn about accurate clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (I80), medical coding best practices, and venous inflammation management. Explore resources for nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers seeking information on phlebitis diagnosis and care.

Also known as

Thrombophlebitis
Venous inflammation

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Inflammation of a vein, often caused by a blood clot.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, warmth along the affected vein.
  • Common Settings : Superficial veins of the legs, IV sites, areas of prolonged catheterization.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I80.9 Coding
I80-I89

Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels

Covers various vein and lymphatic vessel disorders, including phlebitis and thrombophlebitis.

I80.0-I80.9

Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis

Specifically addresses inflammation of veins with or without clot formation.

O87.2

Venous complications in pregnancy

Includes phlebitis and thrombophlebitis arising during pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the phlebitis superficial?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Vein inflammation, often with clot.
Blood clot in inflamed vein.
Vein inflammation, no clot.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Phlebitis ICD-10 diagnosis code
  • Document location (superficial or deep)
  • Laterality (left or right)
  • Causative factors if known (IV, trauma)
  • Signs/symptoms (pain, redness, swelling)

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (I80.-) for phlebitis type.
  • Detailed clinical documentation of cause, location, severity.
  • Regular patient assessments for signs/symptoms: pain, redness.
  • Proper venipuncture technique, catheter selection, and securement.
  • Timely removal of IV catheters to minimize phlebitis risk. CDI review.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Pain/tenderness along vein path (ICD-10 I80.x)
  • 2. Erythema/edema near IV site (SNOMED CT 425810006)
  • 3. Palpable cord or induration (observe/document)
  • 4. Rule out DVT/infection (patient safety alert)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Phlebitis reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (ICD-10 I80, I80.1, I80.2, I80.8, I80.9) and documentation specifying superficial vs. deep vein thrombosis for appropriate MS-DRG assignment impacting hospital payments.
  • Quality metrics: Phlebitis impacts patient satisfaction scores (HCAHPS) due to pain and discomfort. Proper documentation and coding are crucial for accurate reporting.
  • Coding accuracy affects hospital-acquired condition (HAC) reporting. Miscoded phlebitis can lead to penalties if reported as a preventable HAC.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment of phlebitis documented in the medical record minimizes length of stay, impacting hospital value-based purchasing programs.

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 I80 for superficial phlebitis
  • Deep vein thrombosis? Code I80.1-I80.3
  • Specify location for accurate coding
  • Document signs/symptoms, avoid unspecified codes
  • Consider underlying cause, code if applicable

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms consistent with phlebitis, also known as superficial thrombophlebitis.  The patient reports pain, tenderness, and redness along the affected vein.  On examination, palpable cord-like induration is noted, consistent with venous inflammation.  The area of phlebitis is located in the [location, e.g., right lower extremity, left antecubital fossa].  Surrounding skin exhibits erythema and warmth.  No edema, palpable fluctuance, or lymphadenopathy is appreciated.  The patient denies fever, chills, or systemic symptoms.  Differential diagnosis includes cellulitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT).  Based on the clinical presentation, the diagnosis of superficial thrombophlebitis is most likely.  Risk factors for phlebitis were assessed, including recent intravenous cannulation, history of varicose veins, trauma, and underlying medical conditions. The patient's current medications were reviewed.  Treatment plan includes warm compresses, elevation of the affected extremity, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management, and close monitoring for progression of symptoms.  Patient education provided on signs and symptoms of DVT, including unilateral leg swelling, calf pain, and shortness of breath, and instructed to return immediately if these develop.  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe, e.g., one week] to reassess the affected area and monitor for resolution of symptoms.  ICD-10 code I80.1 (superficial thrombophlebitis) is considered for this encounter.