For FY2018 there is a new subcategory I50.8-. This subcategory was created and new codes were developed to identify and report the several different and specific types of heart failure. This will allow differentiating cases of pure right heart failure from left heart failure. The treatment of the two heart failures (left/right) are different as are the causes.
This type of heart failure occurs because the heart is not pumping blood to the lungs like it should. The right ventricle loses the ability to pump normally and the blood then backs up in other areas of the body, producing congestion. This congestion affects the liver, GI tract, and the extremities.
Right heart failure, unspecified (right heart failure without mention of left heart failure or right ventricular failure)
Acute right heart failure (acute isolated right heart failure or acute (isolated) right ventricular failure)
Chronic right heart failure (chronic isolated right heart failure or chronic (isolated) right ventricular failure)
Acute on chronic right heart failure (acute on chronic isolated right heart failure, acute on chronic (isolated) right ventricular failure, acute decompensation of chronic (isolated) right ventricular failure or acute exacerbation of chronic (isolated) right ventricular failure
Right heart failure due to left heart failure (right ventricular failure secondary to left ventricular failure)
Biventricular heart failure
High output heart failure
End-stage heart failure (stage D heart failure)
Other heart failure
See the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index and Tabular for instructional notes. There are “code also” notes and “Excludes1” notes for some of these new codes.
Oftentimes, the underlying condition/cause can be treated and help improve/correct heart failure. An example would be repairing a heart valve which may reverse the heart failure. Most times, patients do require lifelong medication. Medications may include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and diuretics. Other medications may also be used but these are the most common.
Authored by Kim Boy, RHIT, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P
References:
ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index and Tabular
AHA Coding Clinic, Fourth Quarter 2017 Page: 15-16
www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/right-sided-heart-failure/overview.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/basics/prevention/con-20029801
The information contained in this coding advice is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.