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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI71.02

I71.02

Billable

Dissection of abdominal aorta

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I71.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dissection of abdominal aorta.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Dissection of the abdominal aorta is a serious cardiovascular condition characterized by a tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall, leading to the separation of the layers of the aorta. This condition can result in compromised blood flow to vital organs and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Clinically, patients may present with sudden onset of severe abdominal or back pain, often described as 'tearing' or 'ripping.' Other symptoms may include hypotension, syncope, or signs of organ ischemia. The abdominal aorta, which extends from the diaphragm to the common iliac arteries, is crucial for supplying blood to the lower body. Disease progression can lead to complications such as rupture, which significantly increases mortality risk. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT angiography, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm the presence of dissection and assess the extent of the injury. Timely intervention, often surgical, is critical to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires advanced imaging and clinical evaluation.
  • Treatment complexity: Often necessitates surgical intervention or endovascular repair.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other aortic conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other aortic conditions.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding symptoms and imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or coding errors.

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

Vascular 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 I71.02 lies in its potential for severe outcomes, including mortality if not treated promptly. The condition has a notable impact on population health, particularly among older adults and those with risk factors such as hypertension or connective tissue disorders. Quality measures related to timely diagnosis and intervention are critical in managing this condition, as delays can lead to increased healthcare utilization and adverse outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I71.02 lies in its potential for severe outcomes, including mortality if not treated promptly. The condition has a notable impact on population health, particularly among older adults and those with risk factors such as hypertension or connective tissue disorders. Quality measures related to timely diagnosis and intervention are critical in managing this condition, as delays can lead to increased healthcare utilization and adverse outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition and the complexity of the treatment provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding, particularly if the dissection is not clearly indicated in the medical records. Best practices include ensuring that all imaging studies and clinical evaluations are well-documented and that the coding accurately reflects the patient's condition and treatment plan.

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 I71.02?

I71.02 specifically covers dissection of the abdominal aorta, which may include acute or chronic dissections. It does not cover other types of aortic dissections or aneurysms.

When should I71.02 be used instead of related codes?

I71.02 should be used when there is confirmed dissection of the abdominal aorta, as evidenced by imaging studies. It should not be used for aortic aneurysms or dissections located in the thoracic region.

What documentation supports I71.02?

Documentation should include clinical presentation, imaging results confirming dissection, and any surgical or medical interventions undertaken. Detailed notes on patient history and risk factors are also essential.