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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI31.1

I31.1

Billable

Chronic constrictive pericarditis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I31.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic constrictive pericarditis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic constrictive pericarditis is a condition characterized by the thickening and fibrosis of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. This condition often results from chronic inflammation due to infections, such as tuberculosis or viral infections, or can be idiopathic. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms of heart failure, including dyspnea, fatigue, and peripheral edema, due to impaired diastolic filling of the heart. The anatomy involved includes the pericardium, which restricts the heart's ability to expand fully during diastole, leading to decreased cardiac output. Disease progression can lead to severe heart failure and other complications if left untreated. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as echocardiography, which may show pericardial thickening and diastolic dysfunction, as well as MRI or CT scans for further evaluation. Clinical history and physical examination are crucial for identifying signs of fluid overload and heart failure.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention (pericardiectomy)
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history and imaging results needed
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of chronic constrictive pericarditis versus other pericardial diseases

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with acute pericarditis codes
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical history or imaging reports
  • Billing challenges: Denials due to lack of supporting documentation for chronicity

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

Internal Medicine

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Chronic constrictive pericarditis has significant clinical implications, as it can lead to severe heart failure and decreased quality of life for affected individuals. The condition is relatively rare but can impact population health, particularly in areas with high rates of tuberculosis or other infectious diseases. Quality measures related to timely diagnosis and management are crucial for improving healthcare outcomes, and understanding epidemiological trends can help in resource allocation and preventive strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Chronic constrictive pericarditis has significant clinical implications, as it can lead to severe heart failure and decreased quality of life for affected individuals. The condition is relatively rare but can impact population health, particularly in areas with high rates of tuberculosis or other infectious diseases. Quality measures related to timely diagnosis and management are crucial for improving healthcare outcomes, and understanding epidemiological trends can help in resource allocation and preventive strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for pre-authorization for surgical interventions like pericardiectomy. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of chronicity or failure to provide imaging studies that substantiate the diagnosis. Best practices include ensuring all clinical notes, imaging results, and treatment plans are thoroughly documented and aligned with coding guidelines to minimize audit risks.

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 I31.1?

I31.1 specifically covers chronic constrictive pericarditis, which may arise from various etiologies including post-surgical changes, chronic infections, or idiopathic causes. It is important to differentiate it from acute pericarditis and other pericardial diseases.

When should I31.1 be used instead of related codes?

I31.1 should be used when there is clear evidence of chronic constrictive pericarditis, characterized by symptoms of heart failure and imaging findings that confirm pericardial thickening and restriction of heart filling. It should not be used for acute conditions or other forms of pericarditis.

What documentation supports I31.1?

Documentation for I31.1 should include a thorough clinical history, physical examination findings, and imaging studies such as echocardiograms or MRIs that demonstrate pericardial thickening and diastolic dysfunction. Any relevant laboratory tests that support the diagnosis should also be included.