ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI48.92

I48.92

Billable

Unspecified atrial flutter

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I48.92 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified atrial flutter.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified atrial flutter (I48.92) is a type of supraventricular tachycardia characterized by rapid, organized electrical activity in the atria, leading to an irregular heartbeat. Clinically, patients may present with palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, or dizziness. The anatomy involved includes the atria of the heart, where abnormal electrical conduction occurs, often due to structural heart disease, hypertension, or ischemic heart conditions. Disease progression can lead to complications such as heart failure or thromboembolic events, including stroke, if not appropriately managed. Diagnostic considerations for atrial flutter include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify characteristic flutter waves, typically seen in the inferior leads. Holter monitoring or event recorders may also be utilized for intermittent symptoms. Given the potential for atrial flutter to progress to more serious arrhythmias, timely diagnosis and management are crucial.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires ECG interpretation and potential differential diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve rate control, rhythm control, or anticoagulation therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history and ECG findings are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Limited specificity as it does not differentiate between types of atrial flutter.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other arrhythmias or failure to specify the type.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical history or lack of ECG evidence.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation supporting 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

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Atrial flutter, including unspecified forms, has significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure. Understanding its prevalence and management is crucial for improving population health outcomes. Effective treatment and management strategies can reduce healthcare utilization and associated costs. Epidemiologically, atrial flutter is more common in older adults and those with cardiovascular risk factors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in these populations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Atrial flutter, including unspecified forms, has significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure. Understanding its prevalence and management is crucial for improving population health outcomes. Effective treatment and management strategies can reduce healthcare utilization and associated costs. Epidemiologically, atrial flutter is more common in older adults and those with cardiovascular risk factors, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in these populations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the potential for denials if documentation does not clearly establish the diagnosis or if the code is used inappropriately. Common denials may arise from insufficient specificity or lack of supporting clinical evidence. Best practices include thorough documentation of the patient's clinical status and any treatments provided, as well as regular updates to coding practices based on payer guidelines.

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 I48.92?

I48.92 covers unspecified atrial flutter, which may occur in patients with various underlying conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, or structural heart disease. It does not specify the type of atrial flutter, which can include typical or atypical forms.

When should I48.92 be used instead of related codes?

I48.92 should be used when the specific type of atrial flutter is not documented or when the clinical presentation does not allow for a more specific code. If the type is known, such as typical atrial flutter, I48.91 should be used instead.

What documentation supports I48.92?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, symptoms experienced by the patient, results from ECG or Holter monitoring, and any relevant comorbidities. Clear documentation of the absence of other specific types of atrial flutter is also necessary.