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 CodesI35.9

I35.9

Billable

Nonrheumatic aortic valve disorder, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I35.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nonrheumatic aortic valve disorder, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nonrheumatic aortic valve disorder, unspecified, refers to a range of conditions affecting the aortic valve that are not caused by rheumatic fever. The aortic valve is crucial for regulating blood flow from the heart into the aorta and subsequently to the rest of the body. Disorders may include aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, or a combination of both, leading to symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and chest pain. The disease progression can vary, with some patients remaining asymptomatic for years while others may experience rapid deterioration. Diagnostic considerations include echocardiography, which assesses valve structure and function, and may be complemented by cardiac MRI or CT scans for detailed anatomical evaluation. Clinical presentation often guides the urgency of intervention, as severe cases may necessitate surgical repair or replacement of the valve to prevent complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical evaluation to differentiate from other heart conditions.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve surgical intervention, which requires multidisciplinary coordination.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are essential for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: While I35.9 is broad, related codes exist for specific types of aortic valve disorders.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of the type of aortic valve disorder.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes that do not specify the nature of the disorder.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if the documentation does not support the diagnosis.

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

Cardiothoracic Surgery

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 I35.9 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications such as heart failure or sudden cardiac death if left untreated. Population health impact is notable, as aortic valve disorders can affect a significant portion of the aging population, leading to increased healthcare utilization and costs. Quality measures often focus on timely diagnosis and management of these conditions to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I35.9 lies in its potential to lead to serious complications such as heart failure or sudden cardiac death if left untreated. Population health impact is notable, as aortic valve disorders can affect a significant portion of the aging population, leading to increased healthcare utilization and costs. Quality measures often focus on timely diagnosis and management of these conditions to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospitalizations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the condition and the necessity for surgical intervention. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured and that the coding aligns with the services provided. Best practices include regular audits of documentation and coding accuracy to minimize errors and improve reimbursement outcomes.

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 I35.9?

I35.9 encompasses various nonrheumatic aortic valve disorders, including aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and other unspecified conditions affecting the aortic valve's function without a rheumatic origin.

When should I35.9 be used instead of related codes?

I35.9 should be used when the specific type of aortic valve disorder is not documented or when the condition is still being evaluated. If a specific diagnosis such as aortic stenosis or regurgitation is confirmed, the more specific codes should be utilized.

What documentation supports I35.9?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results (such as echocardiograms), and any relevant history that indicates the presence of a nonrheumatic aortic valve disorder. Clear notes on symptoms and treatment plans are also necessary.