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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI71.11

I71.11

Billable

Aneurysm of the ascending aorta, ruptured

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I71.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of aneurysm of the ascending aorta, ruptured.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I71.11 refers to a ruptured aneurysm of the ascending aorta, a critical cardiovascular condition characterized by the abnormal dilation of the aorta, which can lead to life-threatening complications. The ascending aorta is the section of the aorta that rises from the heart, and when an aneurysm occurs, it can weaken the vessel wall. Clinical presentation often includes sudden, severe chest pain, back pain, and signs of shock due to internal bleeding. The disease progression can be rapid, with a high risk of mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, or echocardiography to confirm the presence of an aneurysm and assess its size and rupture status. Timely intervention is critical, often requiring surgical repair or replacement of the affected segment of the aorta to prevent fatal outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires advanced imaging and clinical assessment.
  • Treatment complexity: Often necessitates emergency surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from non-ruptured aneurysms.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ruptured vs. non-ruptured aneurysms.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the patient's presentation and imaging findings.
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if documentation does not support the urgency of the condition.

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 I71.11 is profound, as ruptured aortic aneurysms are associated with high mortality rates if not treated immediately. Population health impact includes the need for emergency care resources and surgical interventions, which can strain healthcare systems. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and treatment, while epidemiological considerations highlight the importance of screening in high-risk populations to prevent such catastrophic events.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I71.11 is profound, as ruptured aortic aneurysms are associated with high mortality rates if not treated immediately. Population health impact includes the need for emergency care resources and surgical interventions, which can strain healthcare systems. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and treatment, while epidemiological considerations highlight the importance of screening in high-risk populations to prevent such catastrophic events.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the urgency of treatment, which may qualify for higher levels of service. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the rupture or failure to provide adequate imaging reports. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are thorough and that any imaging studies are clearly linked to the diagnosis to support claims.

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 I71.11?

I71.11 specifically covers ruptured aneurysms of the ascending aorta. It is important to differentiate this from other types of aortic aneurysms, such as those affecting the descending aorta or thoracic aorta, which have different codes and implications.

When should I71.11 be used instead of related codes?

I71.11 should be used when there is clear evidence of a rupture in the ascending aorta, as indicated by clinical symptoms and imaging studies. If the aneurysm is not ruptured, codes such as I71.10 (Aneurysm of the ascending aorta, unruptured) should be utilized.

What documentation supports I71.11?

Documentation must include detailed clinical findings, imaging results confirming the rupture, and any surgical notes if applicable. It is crucial to have a clear narrative of the patient's presentation and the urgency of the condition.