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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI21.21

I21.21

Billable

ST elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction involving left circumflex coronary artery

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I21.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of st elevation (stemi) myocardial infarction involving left circumflex coronary artery.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I21.21 refers to ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) involving the left circumflex coronary artery. This condition occurs when there is a complete blockage of blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle supplied by the left circumflex artery, leading to ischemia and potential necrosis of the myocardial tissue. Clinical presentation typically includes severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and diaphoresis. Patients may also exhibit signs of heart failure or arrhythmias. The left circumflex artery supplies blood to the lateral and posterior walls of the left ventricle, making its involvement critical for cardiac function. Disease progression can lead to complications such as cardiogenic shock, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death if not promptly treated. Diagnostic considerations include the use of electrocardiograms (ECGs) to identify ST elevation, cardiac biomarkers to assess myocardial injury, and imaging studies to evaluate heart function. Immediate intervention, often through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic therapy, is essential to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires precise identification of STEMI and the specific artery involved.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves urgent care and potential surgical interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to reflect the specific artery affected.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the type of myocardial infarction.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding symptoms and treatment.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity in documentation.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of I21.21 lies in its potential to cause severe morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly. The population health impact is substantial, as STEMI is a leading cause of death worldwide. Quality measures focus on timely reperfusion therapy, which is critical for improving outcomes. Healthcare utilization patterns show increased emergency department visits and hospital admissions for myocardial infarction, highlighting the need for effective prevention and management strategies. Epidemiologically, the incidence of STEMI varies by demographics, with higher rates observed in older adults and those with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I21.21 lies in its potential to cause severe morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly. The population health impact is substantial, as STEMI is a leading cause of death worldwide. Quality measures focus on timely reperfusion therapy, which is critical for improving outcomes. Healthcare utilization patterns show increased emergency department visits and hospital admissions for myocardial infarction, highlighting the need for effective prevention and management strategies. Epidemiologically, the incidence of STEMI varies by demographics, with higher rates observed in older adults and those with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for timely intervention, which may involve emergency services and hospital admission. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the acute nature of the myocardial infarction or lack of specificity in coding. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical findings, treatment plans, and follow-up care are thoroughly documented to support the medical necessity of the services 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 I21.21?

I21.21 specifically covers ST elevation myocardial infarction involving the left circumflex coronary artery. This includes acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation as evidenced by ECG changes and elevated cardiac biomarkers.

When should I21.21 be used instead of related codes?

I21.21 should be used when there is clear documentation of ST elevation myocardial infarction specifically involving the left circumflex artery, differentiating it from other types of myocardial infarctions that may not involve this artery.

What documentation supports I21.21?

Documentation should include ECG findings showing ST elevation, clinical symptoms consistent with myocardial infarction, and laboratory results indicating elevated cardiac enzymes. Detailed notes on the patient's history and treatment plan are also essential.