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I77.810
ICD-10-CM
Thoracic Aortic Ectasia

Find information on thoracic aortic ectasia, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (I77.81, I71.4), medical coding guidelines, and diagnostic criteria. Learn about aortic aneurysm, dilated aorta, thoracic aorta dilation, and aortic root enlargement related to thoracic aortic ectasia. This resource provides healthcare professionals with essential information for accurate diagnosis and coding of this condition.

Also known as

Aortic Ectasia of the Thoracic Region
Thoracic Aortic Dilation

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Widening of the thoracic aorta, often without aneurysm formation.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic. May cause chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath.
  • Common Settings : Discovered incidentally on imaging (CT, MRI, echo) during evaluation for other conditions.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I77.810 Coding
I77.81

Thoracic aortic ectasia

Localized or diffuse dilation of the thoracic aorta.

I71.4

Aneurysm of thoracic aorta

A permanent localized dilation of the thoracic aorta.

I77.89

Other specified disorders of arteries

Includes other specified arterial conditions not classified elsewhere.

Q25.4

Congenital malformation of aorta

Includes congenital structural abnormalities of the aorta.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the thoracic aortic ectasia related to a connective tissue disorder?

  • Yes

    Specify connective tissue disorder

  • No

    Is it due to syphilis?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Thoracic Aortic Ectasia
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Dissection

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Thoracic aortic ectasia diagnosis documented
  • Aortic diameter measurements specified
  • Location and extent of ectasia described
  • Comparison with prior imaging (if available)
  • Symptoms and related complications noted

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding thoracic aortic ectasia without specifying the affected segment (ascending, arch, descending) leads to inaccurate documentation and claims.

  • Aneurysm Miscoding

    Confusing ectasia (dilation) with aneurysm (localized dilation) can result in incorrect coding, affecting severity and reimbursement.

  • Lack of Supporting Documentation

    Missing imaging reports or clinical findings confirming the diagnosis of thoracic aortic ectasia can cause coding and auditing issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document family hx of aortic disease, Marfan syndrome for ICD-10 I77.81
  • Detailed echo report specifying location, size for accurate coding (I71.4)
  • Regular monitoring, precise measurements crucial for CDI, risk assessment
  • Timely follow-up imaging, MD notes reflect progression for compliant billing
  • Interdisciplinary communication (cardiology, genetics) improves coding, patient care

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Family Hx of aortic disease, Marfan, Loeys-Dietz documented?
  • 2. Imaging confirms enlarged aorta diameter ICD-10 I77.81?
  • 3. Evaluate rate of growth, symptoms, complications noted?
  • 4. Assess cardiovascular risk factors: HTN, smoking, dyslipidemia?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Thoracic Aortic Ectasia reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (I77.81) and appropriate documentation supporting medical necessity for imaging and other services. This impacts appropriate MS-DRG assignment and claim denials.
  • Quality metrics for Thoracic Aortic Ectasia are indirectly impacted through accurate coding and documentation for associated conditions like hypertension and Marfan syndrome, influencing quality reporting and hospital performance.
  • Timely and accurate coding of Thoracic Aortic Ectasia and related procedures ensures appropriate reimbursement levels, impacting hospital revenue cycle management and financial performance.
  • Thoracic Aortic Ectasia diagnosis coding accuracy directly affects data integrity for hospital reporting on prevalence, treatment outcomes, and resource utilization, influencing future healthcare strategies.

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 I77.81 for thoracic aorta ectasia
  • Specify location and laterality
  • Document size and progression
  • Query physician if unclear
  • Check Excludes1 notes

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with concerns regarding thoracic aortic ectasia.  Review of systems reveals patient reported symptoms including chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, and in some instances, dysphagia.  Patient denies any history of Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, or other known connective tissue disorders.  Family history is significant for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.  Physical examination reveals normal heart sounds and no palpable pulsatile mass.  Imaging studies including a CT angiogram of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis with contrast demonstrate a dilated ascending aorta measuring [measurement] cm, consistent with thoracic aortic ectasia.  The aortic root, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aorta are within normal limits.  No evidence of aortic dissection, aneurysm, or rupture is observed.  Differential diagnosis includes aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and other causes of aortic dilatation.  Assessment includes thoracic aortic ectasia, likely related to hypertension and family history of cardiovascular disease.  Plan includes blood pressure management with [medication name and dosage], regular monitoring of aortic size with serial CT or MRI imaging every [time interval], lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation and cardiac rehabilitation, and patient education regarding the signs and symptoms of aortic dissection.  Patient was counseled on the importance of medication adherence and follow-up appointments.  ICD-10 code I77.81, Other specified disorders of aorta, is documented for billing and coding purposes.  The patient demonstrates understanding of the treatment plan and acknowledges the potential risks and benefits of continued surveillance versus surgical intervention should the ectasia progress.
Thoracic Aortic Ectasia - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation