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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI50.31

I50.31

Billable

Acute diastolic (congestive) heart failure

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I50.31 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute diastolic (congestive) heart failure.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute diastolic heart failure, also known as acute congestive heart failure, is characterized by the heart's inability to fill adequately during diastole, leading to increased pressures in the heart and pulmonary circulation. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention, often exacerbated by physical activity or stress. The anatomy involved includes the left ventricle, which fails to relax properly, resulting in elevated left atrial pressures and pulmonary congestion. Disease progression can be rapid, often precipitated by factors such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, or arrhythmias. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical assessment, echocardiography to evaluate diastolic function, and biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Management typically involves diuretics, antihypertensive medications, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification between acute and chronic heart failure.
  • Documentation gaps may arise from insufficient clinical details regarding the patient's history and presenting symptoms.
  • Billing challenges often relate to the need for comprehensive documentation to justify acute care services.

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

Acute diastolic heart failure significantly impacts clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization, often leading to hospital admissions and increased healthcare costs. It is a prevalent condition among older adults and those with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. Effective management is crucial for improving patient quality of life and reducing hospital readmissions, which are key quality measures in cardiovascular care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Acute diastolic heart failure significantly impacts clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization, often leading to hospital admissions and increased healthcare costs. It is a prevalent condition among older adults and those with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. Effective management is crucial for improving patient quality of life and reducing hospital readmissions, which are key quality measures in cardiovascular care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Acute diastolic heart failure significantly impacts clinical outcomes and healthcare utilization, often leading to hospital admissions and increased healthcare costs. It is a prevalent condition among older adults and those with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes. Effective management is crucial for improving patient quality of life and reducing hospital readmissions, which are key quality measures in cardiovascular care.

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 I50.31?

I50.31 covers acute diastolic heart failure, which may arise from conditions such as hypertension, myocardial ischemia, or valvular heart disease. It is characterized by impaired ventricular filling and elevated pressures, leading to pulmonary congestion and systemic symptoms.

When should I50.31 be used instead of related codes?

I50.31 should be used when a patient presents with acute symptoms of heart failure specifically related to diastolic dysfunction. It is important to differentiate it from chronic heart failure codes (e.g., I50.32) and other types of heart failure to ensure appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

What documentation supports I50.31?

Documentation supporting I50.31 should include clinical notes detailing the patient's symptoms, diagnostic tests confirming diastolic dysfunction (such as echocardiography), and any relevant lab results, particularly BNP levels. Clear documentation of the acute nature of the condition is essential.