ICD-10 Code for Cardiac Arrhythmia

Key Takeaways

  • The primary ICD-10 code for unspecified cardiac arrhythmia is I49.9.
  • Specific codes exist for atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, PVCs, bradycardia, and palpitations.
  • Special codes apply for pregnancy, newborns, and patient history.
  • Accurate coding reduces denials and improves the clean claim rate.

The ICD-10 code for cardiac arrhythmia varies depending on the type and cause of the irregular heartbeat. The general code is I49.9 – Cardiac arrhythmia and unspecified.

But more specific coding ensures accuracy, compliance, and proper reimbursement. Cardiac arrhythmias include conditions such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and sinus bradycardia.

What is ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R00.2?

ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R00.2 is a specific code used in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) system to classify and diagnose palpitations and cardiac arrhythmias.

This code falls under the category of abnormalities of heart rhythm and is crucial for accurately identifying and treating heart rhythm irregularities.

Common ICD-10 Codes for Cardiac Arrhythmia

Here are the most frequently used arrhythmia-related ICD-10 codes:

  • I48.0 – Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
  • I47.0 – Re-entry ventricular tachycardia (SVT)
  • I49.3 – Ventricular premature beats (PVCs)
  • I49.8 – Other specified cardiac arrhythmias
  • I49.9 – Cardiac arrhythmia, unspecified

Related ICD-10 Codes You Should Know

  • ICD-10 palpitations: R00.2 (Palpitations)
  • Irregular heartbeat ICD-10: I49.9 (Unspecified arrhythmia)
  • Sinus bradycardia ICD-10: R00.1
  • Tachycardia ICD-10: R00.0 (Tachycardia, unspecified)
  • ICD-10 code for PVC: I49.3

ICD-10 Coding Scenarios

  • Cardiac arrhythmia in pregnancy: O99.4 (Diseases of circulatory system complicating pregnancy, childbirth, or puerperium)
  • Cardiac arrhythmia in newborns: P29.1 (Neonatal cardiac dysrhythmia)
  • History of cardiac arrhythmia: Z86.79 (Personal history of other circulatory diseases)
  • Other cardiac arrhythmia codes: I49 series for different arrhythmia types

Why Accurate Arrhythmia Coding Matters

Accurate use of the ICD-10 code for arrhythmia helps healthcare providers:

  • Submit clean claims that are paid faster
  • Avoid costly claim denials and rework
  • Improve compliance with payer requirements
  • Track patient outcomes and treatment effectiveness

Since arrhythmias range from benign palpitations to life-threatening tachycardia, precision in coding supports both billing integrity and patient care quality.

Conclusion

Cardiac arrhythmias require precise documentation and coding to avoid billing errors and claim denials. While I49.9 covers unspecified arrhythmias, providers should use the most specific ICD-10 code whenever possible for accuracy and compliance.

Cures Medical Billing Services, our expert coders specialize in accurate ICD-10 coding for cardiac arrhythmias and other complex conditions. We help providers improve their clean claim ratio, reduce denials, and secure faster payments.

Contact us today to streamline your medical billing and coding process!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The ICD-10 code is I49.9 – Cardiac arrhythmia, unspecified. It should only be used when the exact type of arrhythmia is not documented.

The correct code is R00.2 – Palpitations, which can be used when a patient reports a sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeats without a confirmed diagnosis.

Arrhythmia refers to the clinical diagnosis of an irregular heartbeat (coded under I47–I49), while palpitations (R00.2) are a symptom and should be coded separately if no confirmed arrhythmia is diagnosed.

Yes. R00.0, Tachycardia, unspecified is used when the heart rate is abnormally fast but without a specific diagnosis. Specific tachycardias like I47.0 (SVT) or I47.2 (Ventricular tachycardia) have their own codes.

  • Pregnancy: O99.4 (Circulatory system disease complicating pregnancy).
  • Newborns: P29.1 (Neonatal cardiac dysrhythmia).

Use Z86.79, Personal history of other circulatory diseases when documenting past arrhythmia not currently active.

Specific coding improves claim acceptance, reimbursement accuracy, and compliance with payer requirements, reducing denials and speeding up payments.

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