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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ26.0

Q26.0

Billable

Congenital stenosis of vena cava

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

Code Description

ICD-10 Q26.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of congenital stenosis of vena cava.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Congenital stenosis of the vena cava refers to a narrowing of the superior or inferior vena cava, which can lead to significant hemodynamic changes in the circulatory system. This condition is often associated with other congenital heart defects, such as atrial septal defects or coarctation of the aorta. The stenosis can impede normal venous return to the heart, resulting in symptoms such as cyanosis, respiratory distress, and failure to thrive in infants. Diagnosis typically involves echocardiography, which can visualize the structural abnormalities, and may be confirmed with MRI or CT imaging. Management may require surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction and restore normal blood flow. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as heart failure or pulmonary hypertension. The condition may also be part of a syndrome involving chromosomal abnormalities, necessitating a comprehensive genetic evaluation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Potential association with other congenital heart defects
  • Need for multidisciplinary care involving cardiology and genetics
  • Complexity of diagnostic imaging interpretations

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of associated congenital conditions
  • Failure to capture all relevant diagnostic imaging
  • Misclassification of the severity of stenosis
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, diagnostic imaging results, and treatment plans are essential. Growth and developmental assessments should also be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with respiratory distress, failure to thrive, or cyanosis may require evaluation for congenital stenosis of the vena cava.

Billing Considerations

Pediatric coders must be aware of the developmental implications of congenital heart defects and the need for ongoing follow-up.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic counseling notes, family history, and results of chromosomal analyses are critical for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Cases where congenital stenosis is part of a syndrome, such as Turner syndrome or Williams syndrome, require thorough genetic evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Genetic coders should ensure that all relevant syndromic associations are documented to support coding decisions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q26.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding congenital malformations, ensuring that all associated conditions are documented
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture related congenital heart defects

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q26.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

33533CPT Code

Repair of coarctation of aorta

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with Q26.0 when coarctation is present.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatric cardiology should document the rationale for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. Q26.0 provides a clear classification for congenital stenosis of the vena cava, facilitating better tracking of patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. Q26.0 provides a clear classification for congenital stenosis of the vena cava, facilitating better tracking of patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. Q26.0 provides a clear classification for congenital stenosis of the vena cava, facilitating better tracking of patient outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common associated conditions with congenital stenosis of the vena cava?

Common associated conditions include atrial septal defects, coarctation of the aorta, and other congenital heart defects. Genetic syndromes such as Turner syndrome may also be present.