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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ25.21

Q25.21

Billable

Interruption of aortic arch

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q25.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of interruption of aortic arch.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Interruption of the aortic arch is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by a discontinuity in the aortic arch, which can lead to significant hemodynamic instability. This condition typically presents in neonates and is often associated with other congenital anomalies, including coarctation of the aorta, ventricular septal defects, and other forms of congenital heart disease. The interruption can occur at various locations along the arch, most commonly between the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. Clinical manifestations may include severe hypertension in the upper body and hypotension in the lower body, leading to differential cyanosis. Diagnosis is typically made through echocardiography, MRI, or chest X-ray, which may reveal indirect signs such as a

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and associated anomalies
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Potential for multiple surgical interventions
  • Differential diagnosis with other congenital heart defects

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated congenital anomalies
  • Failure to specify the type of interruption
  • Misclassification with similar congenital heart defects
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including physical examination findings, imaging results, and surgical reports are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Neonates presenting with shock or differential cyanosis, requiring urgent echocardiographic evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of growth and development post-surgery, as well as the need for long-term follow-up for potential complications.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic testing results, family history of congenital heart defects, and any syndromic associations must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Cases where interruption of aortic arch is part of a genetic syndrome, such as Turner syndrome or 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Billing Considerations

Awareness of the genetic implications and counseling needs for families with a history of congenital heart defects.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q25.21 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for congenital malformations, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's severity, associated anomalies, and any surgical interventions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q25.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

33533CPT Code

Repair of interrupted aortic arch

Clinical Scenario

Used during surgical intervention for interruption of the aortic arch.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and any associated anomalies.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery documentation must be thorough.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital heart defects, including interruption of the aortic arch, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity and severity of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital heart defects, including interruption of the aortic arch, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity and severity of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital heart defects, including interruption of the aortic arch, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity and severity of these conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Congenital Heart Disease

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Pediatrics - Congenital Heart Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common associated conditions with interruption of aortic arch?

Common associated conditions include coarctation of the aorta, ventricular septal defects, and syndromic associations such as Turner syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Accurate documentation of these associations is crucial for coding.