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I49.5
ICD-10-CM
Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome

Understanding Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment? Find information on clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes), and healthcare resources for managing this heart rhythm disorder. Learn about Sick Sinus Syndrome, pacemaker implantation, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and bradycardia related to Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome for accurate medical record keeping and optimal patient care.

Also known as

Tachy-Brady Syndrome
Sick Sinus Syndrome

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Alternating fast and slow heart rate.
  • Clinical Signs : Palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, shortness of breath.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient cardiology clinic, emergency room, hospital.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I49.5 Coding
I49.5

Sick sinus syndrome

Includes tachy-brady syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder.

I47.2

Ventricular tachycardia

Rapid heartbeat originating in the ventricles, can be part of tachy-brady.

I45.9

Bradycardia, unspecified

Slow heart rate, a component of tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome.

R00.0

Tachycardia, unspecified

Fast heart rate, a component of tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is bradycardia documented?

  • Yes

    Is tachycardia documented?

  • No

    Is tachycardia documented?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Alternating fast and slow heart rate.
Slow heart rate.
Fast heart rate.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document ECG findings showing tachycardia and bradycardia episodes.
  • Specify the type of tachycardia (e.g., atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter).
  • Document bradycardia type (e.g., sinus bradycardia, AV block).
  • Note symptoms during both tachycardia and bradycardia phases.
  • Record any medications or interventions used to manage the condition.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Device Coding Inaccuracy

    ICD-10-CM code I49.5 requires specific device documentation (e.g., pacemaker, ICD) for accurate coding and billing. Missing or incorrect device information leads to claim denials.

  • Bradycardia Specificity

    Unspecified bradycardia (R00.1) may be coded when more specific documentation is available (e.g., sinus bradycardia), impacting risk adjustment and reimbursement.

  • Tachycardia Type Confusion

    Accurate tachycardia documentation (e.g., atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter) is crucial. Coding unspecified tachycardia (R00.0) without sufficient clinical support leads to audit risks.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 I49.5, thorough ECG documentation for CDI, optimize device programming
  • Remote monitoring CPT 93298 improves tachy-brady early detection, ensures compliance
  • Medication review for bradycardia risk, clear documentation of necessity, avoid overtreatment
  • Patient education on symptom recognition, medication adherence for optimal healthcare outcomes
  • Regular device checks, lead integrity assessment, battery life optimization for HCC coding accuracy

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify documented prolonged sinus pauses ICD-10 I49.5
  • Confirm alternating tachycardia and bradycardia episodes
  • Check ECG for bradycardia atrial fibrillation or flutter
  • Assess symptoms dizziness syncope palpitations ICD-10 R55 R00.2 I47.9
  • Review medications contributing to bradycardia or tachycardia

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (ICD-10-CM I49.5) and thorough documentation of device implants (CPT codes 33206-33264) for optimal payer specificity and reduced claim denials.
  • Quality metrics for Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome include appropriate device therapy, symptom control, and complication rates, impacting hospital value-based purchasing and public reporting via CMS star ratings.
  • Accurate documentation of syncope, palpitations, dizziness linked to I49.5 improves risk adjustment scores (HCCs) for higher reimbursement in value-based care models.
  • Coding validation and physician query processes for Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome diagnosis and procedures (e.g., pacemaker insertion) enhance coding accuracy and reduce compliance risks.

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 I49.5 for TBS
  • Document bradycardia AND tachycardia episodes
  • Specify device implant if applicable
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation unclear
  • Consider additional codes for syncope or palpitations

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome (TBS), also known as brady-tachy syndrome.  The patient reports experiencing palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness, syncope, near-syncope, and fatigue.  These episodes are intermittent and variable in duration.  Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings confirm the diagnosis, demonstrating alternating episodes of supraventricular tachycardia, most commonly atrial fibrillation, followed by periods of significant bradycardia, including sinus bradycardia, sinus pauses, or sinoatrial block.  The patient's medical history includes hypertension and hypothyroidism, both of which are potential contributing factors to the development of TBS.  Differential diagnoses considered include sick sinus syndrome (SSS), atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response, and other supraventricular tachycardias with varying conduction.  Initial treatment plan includes addressing underlying medical conditions, optimizing medications, and patient education regarding symptom management.  Medication review will focus on potential exacerbating factors, and adjustments will be made as clinically indicated.  Further evaluation for pacemaker implantation will be considered based on symptom frequency, severity, and response to medical management.  The patient has been informed of the risks and benefits of various treatment options, including pacemaker therapy.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor symptom control and ECG findings.  ICD-10 code I49.5, Sick Sinus Syndrome, is used for coding purposes, as there is no specific ICD-10 code for Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome.  CPT codes for evaluation and management, as well as any procedures performed, will be documented accordingly.
Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation