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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI46.8

I46.8

Billable

Cardiac arrest due to other underlying condition

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I46.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cardiac arrest due to other underlying condition.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cardiac arrest due to other underlying conditions (I46.8) refers to instances where the heart ceases to function effectively due to various non-specific underlying health issues. This can include conditions such as severe electrolyte imbalances, respiratory failure, or acute infections that compromise cardiac function. Clinically, patients may present with sudden loss of consciousness, absence of pulse, and unresponsiveness. The anatomy involved primarily includes the heart and its electrical conduction system, which can be disrupted by various systemic diseases. Disease progression can vary; for instance, chronic heart failure or severe coronary artery disease can lead to acute cardiac events. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and immediate ECG monitoring to identify arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities. Laboratory tests may also be necessary to evaluate electrolyte levels and other metabolic factors contributing to the cardiac arrest.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires understanding of multiple underlying conditions
  • Treatment complexity: May involve advanced resuscitation techniques and management of underlying conditions
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of underlying conditions and circumstances leading to arrest
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise identification of the underlying cause

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the underlying cause
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding the patient's medical history
  • Billing challenges: Potential for denials if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis

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

Emergency 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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of I46.8 lies in its association with various cardiovascular and systemic conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac events, impacting population health significantly. Understanding the epidemiology of cardiac arrest due to underlying conditions can guide preventive measures and improve healthcare utilization patterns. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and management of underlying conditions to reduce the incidence of cardiac arrest.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I46.8 lies in its association with various cardiovascular and systemic conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac events, impacting population health significantly. Understanding the epidemiology of cardiac arrest due to underlying conditions can guide preventive measures and improve healthcare utilization patterns. Quality measures may focus on timely intervention and management of underlying conditions to reduce the incidence of cardiac arrest.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical evidence and that all relevant procedures performed during resuscitation are coded accurately. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation linking the cardiac arrest to the underlying condition. Best practices include maintaining comprehensive records and ensuring that all healthcare providers involved in the patient's care contribute to the documentation.

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 I46.8?

I46.8 encompasses cardiac arrest resulting from various underlying conditions such as severe metabolic disturbances (e.g., hyperkalemia), respiratory failure, or systemic infections. It is crucial to document the specific condition that led to the cardiac arrest for accurate coding.

When should I46.8 be used instead of related codes?

I46.8 should be used when the cardiac arrest is attributed to a specific underlying condition that does not fall under more specific codes like I46.0. It is essential to differentiate based on the clinical scenario and documentation.

What documentation supports I46.8?

Documentation should include a detailed account of the patient's medical history, the circumstances leading to the cardiac arrest, and any diagnostic tests performed that indicate the underlying condition. This may include lab results, imaging studies, and physician notes.