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Q21.3
ICD-10-CM
Tetralogy of Fallot

Find comprehensive information on Tetralogy of Fallot including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes Q21.3, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and surgical repair. Learn about the four defects of TOF, ventricular septal defect VSD, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and individuals seeking information on Tetralogy of Fallot diagnosis and management.

Also known as

TOF
Fallot's Tetralogy

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Congenital heart defect with four abnormalities: ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, right ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Clinical Signs : Cyanosis, shortness of breath, heart murmur, clubbing of fingers, fainting spells.
  • Common Settings : Pediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery centers, neonatal intensive care units.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Q21.3 Coding
Q21.3

Tetralogy of Fallot

Congenital heart defect with four abnormalities.

Q20-Q28

Congenital malformations of heart

Structural birth defects affecting the heart.

Q00-Q99

Congenital malformations, deformations

Birth defects affecting various body systems.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the diagnosis Tetralogy of Fallot?

  • Yes

    Is it acyanotic?

  • No

    Do not code as Tetralogy of Fallot. Review clinical documentation for correct diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Tetralogy of Fallot
Pulmonary atresia
Ventricular septal defect

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Tetralogy of Fallot diagnosis documented
  • Severity specified (e.g., cyanotic, acyanotic)
  • Ventricular septal defect characteristics
  • Pulmonary stenosis details (e.g., type, severity)
  • Overriding aorta documented, if present

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Inaccurate Defect Coding

    Miscoding specific defects (e.g., VSD size, pulmonary stenosis severity) impacts reimbursement and data accuracy. Crucial for proper MDC assignment.

  • Missed Coexisting Conditions

    Overlooking associated conditions like atrial septal defects or right aortic arch can lead to undercoding and missed CC/MCC capture.

  • Confusing TOF Variants

    Incorrectly coding TOF variants (e.g., Eisenmenger syndrome, pulmonary atresia) leads to inaccurate reporting and potential compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10-CM coding: Q21.3 Tetralogy of Fallot
  • Thorough echocardiogram documentation for accurate diagnosis.
  • Timely surgical intervention planning improves outcomes.
  • Monitor oxygen saturation levels for hypoxemia management.
  • Regular follow-up ensures optimal patient care and compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify Systolic murmur documented
  • 2. Confirm right ventricular hypertrophy via ECG or imaging
  • 3. Check for overriding aorta in imaging report
  • 4. Verify pulmonary stenosis documentation
  • 5. Check oxygen saturation for cyanosis evidence

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Tetralogy of Fallot reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM (Q21.3) and PCS coding, impacting DRG assignment and case mix index.
  • Timely and complete documentation of TOF surgical repair (e.g., 33684, 33685) affects claim denial rates and hospital revenue cycle.
  • Thorough capture of TOF comorbidities (e.g., heart failure, pulmonary hypertension) improves risk adjustment and quality reporting.
  • Accurate coding and reporting of TOF complications influence hospital quality metrics like mortality rates and readmission rates.

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 Q21.3 for TOF
  • Specify TOF subtype
  • Document severity/complications
  • Include ECHO/Cath results
  • Check ICD-10-CM guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with clinical features suggestive of Tetralogy of Fallot.  The patient exhibits cyanosis, a prominent symptom of Tetralogy of Fallot, along with dyspnea on exertion and shortness of breath.  Physical examination reveals a systolic murmur consistent with a ventricular septal defect, a key component of the Tetralogy of Fallot diagnosis.  Echocardiography confirms the presence of the four defining characteristics of Tetralogy of Fallot:  ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy.  The degree of pulmonary stenosis contributes significantly to the severity of symptoms.  Differential diagnosis includes other cyanotic congenital heart defects, but the echocardiographic findings are specific for Tetralogy of Fallot.  Treatment plan includes discussion of surgical repair of Tetralogy of Fallot, focusing on closure of the ventricular septal defect and relief of the pulmonary stenosis.  Risks and benefits of surgical intervention were discussed with the patient and family.  Referral to a pediatric cardiologist specializing in congenital heart disease and Tetralogy of Fallot management has been made.  Patient and family demonstrate understanding of the diagnosis, Tetralogy of Fallot, and the proposed management plan.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor symptoms, oxygen saturation levels, and overall cardiac function in the context of Tetralogy of Fallot.  ICD-10 code Q21.3 (Tetralogy of Fallot) is documented for medical billing and coding purposes.  CPT codes for echocardiography and other diagnostic tests performed will be documented separately.  This documentation supports the medical necessity of services rendered for the management of Tetralogy of Fallot.
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