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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI71.10

I71.10

Billable

Thoracic aortic aneurysm, ruptured, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I71.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of thoracic aortic aneurysm, ruptured, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a localized dilation of the thoracic aorta, which can lead to life-threatening complications if ruptured. The thoracic aorta is the section of the aorta that runs through the chest, and an aneurysm can occur due to a variety of factors including atherosclerosis, genetic conditions, and hypertension. Clinical presentation of a ruptured TAA may include sudden, severe chest or back pain, hypotension, and signs of shock. The disease progression can be rapid, with a high mortality rate if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to confirm the presence and extent of the aneurysm. The unspecified nature of I71.10 indicates that the specific location or characteristics of the aneurysm are not detailed, which may complicate treatment planning and risk assessment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

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

Vascular Surgery

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 I71.10 lies in its high mortality rate associated with ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms, making timely diagnosis and intervention critical. Population health impact is considerable, as these aneurysms can affect a significant portion of the aging population, leading to increased healthcare utilization and costs. Quality measures focus on early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases, which can improve outcomes and reduce the incidence of ruptures.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I71.10 lies in its high mortality rate associated with ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms, making timely diagnosis and intervention critical. Population health impact is considerable, as these aneurysms can affect a significant portion of the aging population, leading to increased healthcare utilization and costs. Quality measures focus on early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases, which can improve outcomes and reduce the incidence of ruptures.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition and the complexity of the treatment provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide evidence of the rupture. Best practices include ensuring that all relevant clinical information is included in the medical record and that coding is consistent with the documentation provided.

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 I71.10?

I71.10 covers ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysms that are unspecified in terms of location or characteristics. It is critical to differentiate from other types of aortic aneurysms, such as abdominal or descending aortic aneurysms, which have their own specific codes.

When should I71.10 be used instead of related codes?

I71.10 should be used when a thoracic aortic aneurysm is confirmed to be ruptured but lacks specific details regarding its location or type. If more specific information is available, such as the aneurysm being located in the ascending aorta, then a more specific code should be utilized.

What documentation supports I71.10?

Documentation should include imaging results confirming the presence of a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm, clinical notes detailing the patient's symptoms, and any relevant history of cardiovascular disease or risk factors.