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I48.3
ICD-10-CM
Typical Atrial Flutter

Find comprehensive information on Typical Atrial Flutter diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10-CM code I48.4, medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about atrial flutter symptoms, ECG findings, treatment options, and best practices for accurate medical record keeping. This resource supports physicians, coders, and healthcare professionals in properly documenting and coding Typical Atrial Flutter for optimal reimbursement and patient care.

Also known as

Type I Atrial Flutter
Common Atrial Flutter

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A heart rhythm disorder with a rapid, regular heartbeat caused by abnormal electrical activity in the atria.
  • Clinical Signs : Palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, rarely syncope. Can be asymptomatic.
  • Common Settings : Hospital, outpatient cardiology clinic, electrophysiology lab

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I48.3 Coding
I48

Atrial fibrillation and flutter

Includes conditions of rapid, irregular heartbeat originating in the atria.

I47

Paroxysmal tachycardia

Covers episodes of rapid heart rate that start and stop abruptly.

I49

Other cardiac arrhythmias

Includes various heart rhythm disorders not classified elsewhere.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the atrial flutter typical (counterclockwise)?

  • Yes

    Is it specified as chronic?

  • No

    Is it atypical (clockwise, other)?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Typical Atrial Flutter
Atypical Atrial Flutter
Atrial Fibrillation

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document atrial rate, flutter waves (sawtooth pattern) on ECG
  • Specify type: Typical (counterclockwise) or Atypical
  • Note AV conduction ratio (e.g., 2:1, 3:1, 4:1) if present
  • Document symptoms (palpitations, shortness of breath, etc.)
  • Assess hemodynamic stability or instability

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Flutter Type

    Coding atrial flutter without specifying type (e.g., typical, atypical) leads to inaccurate documentation and potential DRG misclassification.

  • Atrial Fibrillation Confusion

    Misdiagnosing atrial fibrillation as typical atrial flutter can impact medical coding accuracy and reimbursement due to differing DRG assignments.

  • Comorbidity Documentation

    Incomplete documentation of comorbidities associated with typical atrial flutter can affect coding and case mix index accuracy for reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document flutter type (I, II, III) for accurate ICD-10-CM (I48.x) coding.
  • Ensure ECG confirms sawtooth pattern for CDI of atrial flutter diagnosis.
  • Detail medication (e.g., rate vs. rhythm control) for compliance audits.
  • Specify onset (new-onset vs. chronic) to improve HCC risk adjustment coding.
  • Thoroughly document symptoms (palpitations, fatigue) for accurate RAF scores.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • ECG shows sawtooth flutter waves in leads II, III, aVF
  • Atrial rate 240-340 bpm, regular or variable AV block
  • No discernible P waves, F waves present
  • Assess symptoms: palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue
  • Rule out other atrial tachycardias: atrial fibrillation, AVNRT

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Typical Atrial Flutter reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (I48.0) and documentation of episode details for optimal payment.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Atrial fibrillation/flutter management (NQF 0570) affects hospital reporting and potential penalties.
  • Coding accuracy for atrial flutter impacts Case Mix Index (CMI), directly influencing hospital reimbursement levels.
  • Proper documentation of cardioversion, ablation, or medication management influences payment and quality scores.

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 I48.4 for Typical Atrial Flutter
  • Document flutter waves in ECG
  • Specify if chronic or paroxysmal
  • Consider additional codes for LAA thrombus
  • Document any ablation or cardioversion

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of typical atrial flutter, including palpitations, shortness of breath, and occasional lightheadedness.  Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) reveals a sawtooth pattern characteristic of atrial flutter with a regular atrial rate of approximately 300 beats per minute and a ventricular rate controlled between 70-150 beats per minute, consistent with a 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 atrioventricular (AV) conduction.  No evidence of pre-excitation or accessory pathways observed.  Symptoms onset reported two days prior to presentation, with no clear precipitating factors identified.  Patient denies chest pain, syncope, or history of atrial fibrillation or flutter.  Medical history significant for hypertension, well-controlled with lisinopril.  Physical examination reveals stable vital signs with regular pulse, though rapid.  Lungs clear to auscultation.  No peripheral edema noted.  Assessment:  Typical atrial flutter, likely of recent onset.  Plan:  Initiate rate control with metoprolol.  Consider anticoagulation with warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) such as apixaban or rivaroxaban after assessment of CHA2DS2-VASc score for stroke risk stratification.  Refer to cardiology for electrophysiology consultation and consideration for cardioversion or ablation therapy.  Patient education provided on medication management, potential complications, and follow-up care.  ICD-10 code I48.4 specified.
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