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I44.30
ICD-10-CM
Right Axis Deviation

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

RAD
Rightward Axis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I44.30 Coding
I49

Conduction disorders

Includes right bundle branch block, a common cause of right axis deviation.

I26

Pulmonary embolism

Acute cor pulmonale due to pulmonary embolism can cause right axis deviation.

I27

Other pulmonary heart diseases

Chronic pulmonary heart disease can lead to right ventricular hypertrophy and right axis deviation.

Q20-Q28

Congenital heart defects

Certain congenital heart defects can manifest with right axis deviation.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Right axis deviation
Left anterior fascicular block
Right ventricular hypertrophy

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document ECG findings: axis degrees, QRS complex
  • Specify cause of right axis deviation (if known)
  • Correlate with clinical picture: symptoms, exam
  • Note associated conditions: pulmonary, cardiac
  • Document impact on treatment or further workup

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document RVH etiology: pulmonary HTN, COPD (ICD-10 I27.20, J44.9)
  • Correlate RAD with ECG findings, imaging (echo) for accurate CDI
  • Query physician to specify cause of RAD for proper coding (I49.81)
  • Review prior EKGs for RAD history, document changes for improved HCC coding
  • Ensure complete documentation for accurate reimbursement, compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify QRS axis +100 to +180 degrees in ECG
  • Confirm no left posterior fascicular block
  • Exclude normal variant in slender/athletic build
  • Correlate with clinical findings: e.g., pulmonary conditions
  • Document RAD cause if determined and other ECG abnormalities

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Right Axis Deviation reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (I49.01) and linking to primary diagnoses justifying medical necessity.
  • Coding errors impact RAD claim denials, affecting revenue cycle management and hospital financial performance metrics.
  • Accurate RAD documentation and coding improve quality reporting for cardiac care, impacting hospital value-based payments.
  • RAD miscoding skews hospital data analytics, impacting strategic planning for resource allocation and patient care optimization.

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
  • Document QRS axis +110 to +180
  • Specify underlying cause, eg, RVH
  • Correlate with ECG findings, not symptoms

Documentation Templates

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.
Right Axis Deviation - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation