Understand right axis deviation (RAD) in electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation. Learn about causes, symptoms, and clinical significance of right axis deviation. Explore related medical coding guidelines, ICD-10 codes, and documentation best practices for accurate healthcare records. Find information on normal axis vs right axis deviation, left axis deviation vs right axis deviation, and the role of an ECG in diagnosing RAD. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and clinicians involved in documenting and understanding right axis deviation.
Also known as
Conduction disorders
Includes right bundle branch block, a common cause of right axis deviation.
Pulmonary embolism
Acute cor pulmonale due to pulmonary embolism can cause right axis deviation.
Other pulmonary heart diseases
Chronic pulmonary heart disease can lead to right ventricular hypertrophy and right axis deviation.
Congenital heart defects
Certain congenital heart defects can manifest with right axis deviation.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is Right Axis Deviation the principal diagnosis?
Yes
Is there underlying heart disease?
No
Is it due to another condition?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Right axis deviation |
Left anterior fascicular block |
Right ventricular hypertrophy |
Right axis deviation (RAD) was diagnosed based on electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) findings demonstrating a QRS axis greater than +90 degrees. The patient presents with [Insert presenting symptoms e.g., shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, or asymptomatic]. Differential diagnoses considered include normal variant right axis deviation, right ventricular hypertrophy, acute right heart strain, pulmonary embolism, lateral wall myocardial infarction, left posterior fascicular block, and other conditions causing rightward shift of the QRS axis. Patient history includes [Insert relevant medical history, including cardiac, pulmonary, and other systemic conditions]. Current medications are [List current medications]. Physical exam reveals [Document relevant physical exam findings, e.g., vital signs, heart sounds, lung sounds]. Further evaluation to determine the etiology of the RAD may include [List planned diagnostic tests, e.g., echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, pulmonary function tests, blood work]. Initial management includes [Describe initial treatment plan, e.g., observation, medication adjustment, referral to cardiology]. The patient was counseled on the significance of the findings and the importance of follow-up care. ICD-10 code I49.81 (other specified cardiac dysrhythmias) may be applicable if the right axis deviation is associated with a documented arrhythmia. If the RAD is due to a specific underlying condition, the code for that condition should be used as the primary diagnosis. This documentation is intended for healthcare professionals and should not be interpreted as medical advice. It is essential to consider the patient's individual clinical picture when making diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.