ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI21.2

I21.2

Non-billable

ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction of other sites

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 I21.2 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of st elevation (stemi) myocardial infarction of other sites.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I21.2 refers to ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurring in sites other than the anterior wall, inferior wall, or lateral wall of the heart. This condition is characterized by the elevation of the ST segment on an electrocardiogram (ECG), indicating significant myocardial injury due to prolonged ischemia. The clinical presentation often includes chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. The anatomy involved primarily includes the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, and the specific site of infarction can vary, affecting different regions of the myocardium. Disease progression can lead to complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or cardiogenic shock if not promptly treated. Diagnostic considerations include ECG findings, cardiac biomarkers (like troponin levels), and imaging studies such as echocardiography or coronary angiography to assess the extent of myocardial damage and identify the occluded coronary artery. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to improve outcomes in patients with STEMI.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires ECG interpretation and understanding of cardiac biomarkers.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves urgent interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytics.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and diagnostic tests must be documented.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the infarction site and differentiation from other myocardial infarction codes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the site of infarction or using non-specific codes.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of supporting diagnostic tests.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or incorrect coding.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Cardiology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of I21.2 lies in its association with high morbidity and mortality rates if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the need for effective management strategies to reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction and improve outcomes. Quality measures often focus on timely reperfusion therapy and adherence to guidelines for STEMI management. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to I21.2 can help in resource allocation and improving care delivery for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I21.2 lies in its association with high morbidity and mortality rates if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes the need for effective management strategies to reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction and improve outcomes. Quality measures often focus on timely reperfusion therapy and adherence to guidelines for STEMI management. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns related to I21.2 can help in resource allocation and improving care delivery for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the urgency of treatment, which may involve emergency services and hospital admission for STEMI management. Common denials may arise from inadequate documentation or failure to provide supporting evidence for the diagnosis. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are complete and that the coding accurately reflects the patient's condition and treatment provided.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by I21.2?

I21.2 covers ST elevation myocardial infarction occurring in sites other than the anterior, inferior, or lateral walls, which may include posterior or right ventricular myocardial infarctions. It is essential to confirm the site of infarction through diagnostic imaging and ECG findings.

When should I21.2 be used instead of related codes?

I21.2 should be used when the myocardial infarction is confirmed to be ST elevation and occurs in a site not classified under I21.0 or I21.1. Accurate ECG interpretation and clinical correlation are necessary to differentiate between these codes.

What documentation supports I21.2?

Documentation must include a detailed account of the patient's symptoms, ECG findings showing ST elevation, cardiac biomarker results, and any imaging studies performed. Clear notes on the site of infarction and treatment provided are also crucial.