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I45.81
ICD-10-CM
Prolonged QT Interval

Understand prolonged QT interval diagnosis, ECG findings, and implications. Find information on long QT syndrome, QT prolongation causes (genetic, drug-induced), clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (G90.8, Q24.8), SNOMED CT concepts, and risk management strategies for patients with prolonged QT. Learn about Torsades de Pointes, sudden cardiac death risk, and appropriate medical coding for accurate reimbursement.

Also known as

Long QT Syndrome
LQTS
QT Prolongation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I45.81 Coding
I45.81

Long QT syndrome

Inherited or acquired disorder causing prolonged QT interval.

I45.9

Other conduction disorders

Includes unspecified conduction disorders and prolonged QT interval NOS.

T46.0X5A

Adverse effect of QT prolonging drugs

Prolonged QT due to medication, initial encounter.

T46.0X5D

Adverse effect of QT prolonging drugs

Prolonged QT due to medication, subsequent encounter.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the prolonged QT interval congenital?

  • Yes

    Is it Romano-Ward?

  • No

    Is it drug-induced?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Prolonged QT Interval
Short QT Syndrome
Brugada Syndrome

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document QT interval duration in milliseconds
  • Specify QT correction method (e.g., Bazett, Fridericia)
  • Note any electrolyte abnormalities (K, Mg, Ca)
  • Document any QT-prolonging medications
  • Family history of LQTS or sudden cardiac death

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified QT Prolongation

    Coding prolonged QT without specifying congenital, acquired, or drug-induced creates audit risks and impacts reimbursement.

  • Missed QT Documentation

    Lack of clear documentation of QT interval measurement and method (ECG, etc.) leads to coding and CDI queries, affecting data accuracy.

  • Inconsistent TdP Coding

    Torsades de Pointes (TdP) complicating prolonged QT may be missed, impacting severity and potentially triggering compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document QT interval duration and any QT-prolonging meds for ICD-10 I45.9, R94.31
  • Review family history for LQTS, assess for syncope events for accurate CDI of R55
  • Check electrolytes (K, Mg, Ca) as per latest clinical guidelines and document precisely
  • Screen for drug interactions causing prolonged QT. Adhere to medication reconciliation best practices
  • Thorough ECG interpretation, including leads II and V5 for QT measurement, ensures compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Review ECG for QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc).
  • Document QTc measurement using Bazett or Fridericia formula.
  • Check medications known to prolong QT interval (see list).
  • Assess for family history of LQTS or sudden cardiac death.
  • Consider electrolyte abnormalities hypokalemia hypomagnesemia.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Prolonged QT Interval: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10 Codes: I45.8, I45.9, R94.31 (ensure coding accuracy for optimal reimbursement)
  • CPT Codes: 93000, 93010 (ECG monitoring crucial for diagnosis and billing)
  • DRG Impact: Variable, depending on comorbidities and complications (accurate coding impacts DRG assignment)
  • Quality Metrics: Affects patient safety indicators related to adverse drug events and cardiac events
  • Impact 1: Accurate coding maximizes reimbursement for prolonged QT diagnosis and management.
  • Impact 2: Misdiagnosis or coding errors can lead to claim denials and revenue loss.
  • Impact 3: Proper documentation and ECG interpretation are critical for supporting prolonged QT claims.

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 primary QT prolongation cause
  • Document QT interval duration
  • Specify congenital or acquired
  • Consider drug-induced QT code
  • Check ECG documentation

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints suggestive of prolonged QT interval syndrome.  Presenting symptoms include palpitations, syncope, presyncope, or family history of sudden cardiac death.  Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) reveals a corrected QT interval (QTc) greater than 470 ms for males or 480 ms for females, using Bazett's formula or other appropriate correction methods such as Fridericia's correction.  Differential diagnoses considered include congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS), acquired long QT syndrome, electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, and drug-induced long QT interval.  Evaluation includes a thorough review of medications, family history, and cardiac history.  Further investigations may include genetic testing for congenital LQTS, electrolyte panels, and potentially an echocardiogram to assess cardiac structure and function.  Management is focused on risk stratification for sudden cardiac death and may involve lifestyle modifications, beta-blockers, avoidance of QT-prolonging drugs, and in some cases, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement.  Patient education regarding symptom recognition and emergency response is crucial.  ICD-10 code I45.9 for Long QT syndrome is assigned, and medical billing will reflect the complexity of evaluation and management.  Follow-up is scheduled to monitor QTc interval response to therapy and adjust management as necessary.  Patient advised to report any recurrence or worsening of symptoms immediately.
Prolonged QT Interval - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation