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I44.2
ICD-10-CM
Third-Degree Heart Block

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

Complete Heart Block
Third-Degree AV Block

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Complete blockage of electrical signals from atria to ventricles.
  • Clinical Signs : Slow heart rate, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain.
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, cardiology clinic, inpatient hospital setting.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I44.2 Coding
I44.2

Third-degree atrioventricular block

Complete heart block where atria and ventricles beat independently.

I44

Atrioventricular and left bundle branch block

Disorders of the heart's electrical conduction system.

I45.9

Conduction disorders unspecified

Unspecified disorders affecting the heart's electrical conduction.

I40-I52

Other forms of heart disease

Encompasses various heart conditions, including conduction disorders.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Third-degree heart block
Second-degree AV block Mobitz I
Second-degree AV block Mobitz II

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document ECG findings: P waves & QRS independent
  • Specify AV dissociation or complete block
  • Note ventricular escape rhythm rate & origin
  • Document symptoms: syncope, dizziness, etc.
  • Assess hemodynamic stability & medications

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Block Type

    Coding 3rd degree AV block without specifying atrioventricular or infra-Hisian location risks inaccurate DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Missed Congenital Block

    Failing to document and code congenital complete heart block if present can lead to underreporting severity and incorrect quality metrics.

  • Device Miscoding

    Incorrectly coding pacemaker or ICD implantation with 3rd degree heart block may cause claims denials due to missing supporting documentation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document ECG findings: absent P-Q relation, AV dissociation. ICD-10: I44.2
  • Code underlying cause, e.g., MI, fibrosis. Improve CDI for accurate reimbursement.
  • Ensure pacemaker implantation documented, coded (CPT 33206-33208) for compliance.
  • Monitor patient post-procedure, document complications for accurate risk adjustment.
  • Query physician for clarification if documentation lacks detail for optimal coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify P waves and QRS complexes are independent (AV dissociation)
  • Confirm consistent prolonged PR interval if present
  • Check for bradycardia and low ventricular rate
  • Evaluate for symptoms dizziness syncope heart failure
  • Document ECG findings and consider cardiac pacing

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Third-Degree Heart Block reimbursement impacts DRG assignment, impacting hospital payments. Accurate ICD-10-CM coding (I44.2 or I44.3) crucial for maximizing reimbursement.
  • Coding quality metrics: Third-Degree Heart Block code accuracy directly affects Case Mix Index (CMI) and hospital quality reporting. Avoid unspecified codes.
  • Third-Degree Heart Block diagnosis impacts mortality rates and other publicly reported hospital metrics. Accurate coding ensures data integrity.
  • Physician documentation specificity crucial for Third-Degree Heart Block diagnosis coding. Impacts severity level assignment, affecting reimbursement and quality scores.

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
  • Code I44.2 for 3rd degree AV block
  • Document complete/incomplete
  • Check for underlying cause
  • Query physician if unclear
  • Consider device implant coding

Documentation Templates

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.
Third-Degree Heart Block - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation