Understand Third-Degree Heart Block diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. Find information on complete heart block, atrioventricular block, AV block, ECG findings, and bradycardia. Explore resources for healthcare professionals including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for Third-Degree Heart Block, medical billing, and risk management strategies. Learn about pacemaker implantation and other management options.
Also known as
Third-degree atrioventricular block
Complete heart block where atria and ventricles beat independently.
Atrioventricular and left bundle branch block
Disorders of the heart's electrical conduction system.
Conduction disorders unspecified
Unspecified disorders affecting the heart's electrical conduction.
Other forms of heart disease
Encompasses various heart conditions, including conduction disorders.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the third-degree heart block congenital?
Yes
Associated with other congenital anomalies?
No
Is there documentation of other underlying cause?
When to use each related code
Description |
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Third-degree heart block |
Second-degree AV block Mobitz I |
Second-degree AV block Mobitz II |
Coding 3rd degree AV block without specifying atrioventricular or infra-Hisian location risks inaccurate DRG assignment and reimbursement.
Failing to document and code congenital complete heart block if present can lead to underreporting severity and incorrect quality metrics.
Incorrectly coding pacemaker or ICD implantation with 3rd degree heart block may cause claims denials due to missing supporting documentation.
Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, including dizziness, syncope, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Physical examination reveals bradycardia and potentially hypotension. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) confirms complete heart block demonstrating dissociation between atrial and ventricular activity, with P waves and QRS complexes occurring independently at different rates. The atrial rate is typically faster than the ventricular rate. No consistent PR interval relationship is observed. The QRS complex morphology may be narrow or wide, depending on the location of the escape rhythm. Differential diagnosis includes second-degree AV block type II, sinus bradycardia, and sinoatrial (SA) block. Treatment for this complete heart block is focused on increasing the ventricular rate and improving cardiac output. Immediate management may include atropine, though it is often ineffective. Definitive treatment usually involves temporary or permanent pacemaker implantation. The patient's underlying medical conditions, including ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or drug toxicity, contributing to the third-degree AV block, are being investigated and managed. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause and successful implementation of pacemaker therapy. ICD-10 code I44.2, Complete heart block, is documented. CPT codes for pacemaker insertion, such as 33206, 33207, 33208, 33212, or 33213, may be applicable depending on the specific procedure performed. Ongoing monitoring of heart rate, rhythm, and overall cardiac function will be conducted.