Coding Tip: Coding Changes for Pulmonary Hypertension in FY2018
This Coding Tip was updated on 12/4/2018
Kim Carrier RHIT, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P
Director of Coding Quality Assurance
AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer
For FY2018, coding for pulmonary hypertension has changed. There are new codes and expanded codes for the Subcategory I27.2.
What is Pulmonary Hypertension?
Pulmonary hypertension is a certain type of high blood pressure that increases the pressure in the pulmonary arteries/lungs and the right side of the heart. Some of the forms of pulmonary hypertension can be serious and over time even fatal. Some forms of pulmonary hypertension are not curable but there are medications that can help lessen the symptoms and improve quality of life. Pulmonary hypertension is different than systemic high blood pressure/hypertension. Pulmonary blood pressure reflects the pressure the heart exerts to pump blood from the heart through the lung arteries. So, this is pressure that is focused on the blood flow in the lungs. Secondary PH is always caused by something else or due to another condition.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
Early stages of pulmonary hypertension may have minimal or no symptoms. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become worse.
Common symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension
- Dyspnea/Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness/syncopal episodes/feeling of being lightheaded
- Chest pain or pressure
- Swelling of ankles, legs and eventually the abdomen
- Cyanosis/bluish color to lips and/or skin
- Palpitation of the heart or racing pulse
- Decreased appetite
- Upper right side abdominal pain
Groups of Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is classified into five groups, depending on the cause of the disease.
Group 1: Pulmonary arterial hypertension:
This is the most recognized category of pulmonary hypertension. This type includes both primary and secondary causes. This can be idiopathic (cause unknown) or due to a variety of other conditions/factors. This group can be inherited, drug or toxin induced, caused by connective tissue disease, HIV, liver disease, sickle cell disease, congenital heart disease or by conditions that affect the veins and small blood vessels of the lungs to name a few. There are two ICD-10-CM codes to report for this type of pulmonary hypertension. I27.0 (primary pulmonary hypertension) and I27.21 (secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension).
Group 2: Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease:
This category of pulmonary hypertension is caused by failure of the left ventricle or left sided valvular heart disease (mitral and/or aortic valve disease). The most common cause of pulmonary hypertension is left heart disease. ICD-10-CM code I27.22 (pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease) is reported for this type.
Group 3: Pulmonary hypertension occurring secondary to lung disease and/or hypoxia:
This category of pulmonary hypertension is caused by COPD/emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea or other sleep disorders and long term exposure to high altitudes. ICD-10-CM code I27.23 (pulmonary hypertension due to lung disease and hypoxia) is reported for this type.
Group 4: Chronic thromboembolic hypertension:
This category is caused by clotting disorders or blood clots in the lung also called pulmonary emboli. ICD-10-CM code I27.24 (chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension) is reported for this type.
Group 5: Other secondary pulmonary hypertension:
This would include causes such as polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytopenia, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, thyroid or glycogen storage disease, kidney disease, anything that presses on the pulmonary artery (like a tumor) or multifactorial. ICD-10-CM code I27.29 (other secondary pulmonary hypertension) is reported for this type.
Unspecified pulmonary hypertension is reported with ICD-9-CM code I27.20.
Sequencing is based on the circumstances of admission or reason for the encounter. When reporting a code from subcategory I27.2, be sure and also report the associated conditions or the adverse effect of the drug/toxin.
As stated above, there is no cure for the disease pulmonary hypertension. But medication/treatment can lessen the symptoms and improve quality of life. Here are a few life style changes that can improve the symptoms:
- Discuss with your MD before taking over the counter medications
- Quit smoking or don’t start to smoke
- Follow a healthy diet-low in fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugar
- Record your weight. If there is a rapid weight gain it may be a sign of worsening
- Stay active
- Avoid the hot tub/sauna
References:
ICD-10-CM Index
AHA Coding Clinic, Fourth Quarter 2017 Pages: 14-15
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-hypertension/symptoms-causes/syc-20350697
heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/AboutHighBloodPressure/What-is-Pulmonary-Hypertension_UCM_301792_Article.jsp
Happy Coding!
The information contained in this coding advice is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
Popular Posts
New ICD Codes and IPPS Changes for FY2021 (ICD-10-CM Diagnoses changes) – Part 1
This is Part 1 of a 4 part series on the FY2021 changes to ICD-10 and the IPPS. In this part, we discuss some of the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis changes. Here is the breakdown: 72,616 total ICD-10-CM codes for FY2021; 490 new codes (2020 had 273 new codes); 58 deleted codes (2020 had 21 deleted codes); 47 revised codes (2020 had 30 revised codes)
Coding Tip: Reporting “Flash” Pulmonary Edema
Acute pulmonary edema is the rapid accumulation of fluid within the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lung (lung interstitium). When this fluid collects in the air sacs in the lungs it is difficult to breathe. Acute pulmonary edema occurs suddenly and is life threatening.
Client S: $556 increase/record reviewed
“Client S” is a small, not-for-profit, 40 bed micro-hospital in the Southeast. HIA performed a 65-record review this year for Client S and found an opportunity with 15 of them. 9 had an increased reimbursement with a total of $43,228 found.
Coding Tip: Glasgow Coma Scale Coding OCG Update for FY2021
The coma scale codes (R40.2-) can be used in conjunction with traumatic brain injury codes, acute cerebrovascular disease or sequelae of cerebrovascular disease codes. These codes are primarily for use by trauma registries, but they may be used in any setting where this information is collected. The coma scale may also be used to assess the status of the central nervous system for other non-trauma conditions, such as monitoring patients in the intensive care unit regardless of medical condition.
Coding Tip: Cardiac Arrest and Cardiac Shock
In the past, there had been an Excludes1 note at I46.- Cardiac arrest that excluded R57.0, Cardiac shock. HIA had also received a letter from AHA on a case in the past that had stated that only I46.- Cardiac arrest would be coded if both were documented. In addition, the Third Quarter Coding Clinic page 26 had a similar case that asked if both could be coded, and AHA had instructed that only I46.9, cardiac arrest, cause unspecified would be coded if both were documented and that the CDC would be looking at possible revision to the Excludes1 note.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Latest News
New ICD Codes and IPPS Changes for FY2021 (ICD-10-CM Diagnoses changes) – Part 1
This is Part 1 of a 4 part series on the FY2021 changes to ICD-10 and the IPPS. In this part, we discuss some of the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis changes. Here is the breakdown: 72,616 total ICD-10-CM codes for FY2021; 490 new codes (2020 had 273 new codes); 58 deleted codes (2020 had 21 deleted codes); 47 revised codes (2020 had 30 revised codes)
Coding Tip: Reporting “Flash” Pulmonary Edema
Acute pulmonary edema is the rapid accumulation of fluid within the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lung (lung interstitium). When this fluid collects in the air sacs in the lungs it is difficult to breathe. Acute pulmonary edema occurs suddenly and is life threatening.
Client S: $556 increase/record reviewed
“Client S” is a small, not-for-profit, 40 bed micro-hospital in the Southeast. HIA performed a 65-record review this year for Client S and found an opportunity with 15 of them. 9 had an increased reimbursement with a total of $43,228 found.
Coding Tip: Glasgow Coma Scale Coding OCG Update for FY2021
The coma scale codes (R40.2-) can be used in conjunction with traumatic brain injury codes, acute cerebrovascular disease or sequelae of cerebrovascular disease codes. These codes are primarily for use by trauma registries, but they may be used in any setting where this information is collected. The coma scale may also be used to assess the status of the central nervous system for other non-trauma conditions, such as monitoring patients in the intensive care unit regardless of medical condition.
Coding Tip: Cardiac Arrest and Cardiac Shock
In the past, there had been an Excludes1 note at I46.- Cardiac arrest that excluded R57.0, Cardiac shock. HIA had also received a letter from AHA on a case in the past that had stated that only I46.- Cardiac arrest would be coded if both were documented. In addition, the Third Quarter Coding Clinic page 26 had a similar case that asked if both could be coded, and AHA had instructed that only I46.9, cardiac arrest, cause unspecified would be coded if both were documented and that the CDC would be looking at possible revision to the Excludes1 note.
Client X: Let’s Talk Numbers
A higher CMI corresponds to increased consumption of resources and increased cost of patient care, resulting in increased reimbursement to the facility from government and private payers, like CMS. We know that documentation directly impacts coding.
Coding Tip: Endarterectomy During Coronary Artery Bypass
Lately we have seen several cases where the endarterectomy was assigned along with the coronary artery bypass (CABG) procedure when being performed on the same vessel to facilitate the CABG. A coronary artery endarterectomy is not always performed during a CABG procedure, so when it is performed it becomes confusing as to whether to code it separately or not.
Coding Tip: Update – Coding COVID-19 When the Test is Negative
Assign code Z20.828, “Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases” for all patients who are tested for COVID-19 and the results are negative, regardless of symptoms, no symptoms, exposure or not as we are in a pandemic.
New ICD-10-PCS Procedure Codes for COVID-19
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new procedure codes for treatments of COVID-19 – effective as of August 1, 2020. Among the new codes are Section X New Technology codes for the introduction or infusion of therapeutics including Remdesivir, Sarilumab, Tocilizumab, transfusion of convalescent plasma, as well as introduction of any other or new therapeutic substances for the treatment of COVID-19.
New Rule Helps Medicare ACOs During COVID-19 Pandemic
One common element in many value-based programs is risk adjustment using Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCCs) to create a Risk Adjustment Factor (RAF) score. This method ranks diagnoses into categories that represent conditions with similar cost patterns.
Part 5: Reasons for AKI Denials and Prevention | AKI Series
Why are so many AKI records being denied? It’s hard to give one answer for why so many AKI records are being denied lately, but most appear to be due to the multiple sets of criteria available for use in determining if a patient has AKI, as well as physician documentation. As stated in Part 3 of this series, there are three main criteria/classifications used to diagnose AKI.
Part 4: Is Documentation Present to Report Acute Kidney Injury/Failure? | AKI Series
In previous parts of this series we looked at the definitions of AKI/ARF, causes, coding and sequencing, and the common clinical indicators that patients present with that are diagnosed with this condition. In Part 4, we will look at the documentation that should be present to report the diagnosis without fear of denial, as well as when a query is needed to clarify the diagnosis.
Coding Tip: Z Code Reporting for COVID-19
If the facility does a COVID-19 test, and test is negative, do I need a diagnosis code. The answer is yes, you will report a Z-code. The Z-code depends on the record documentation and circumstances of testing. For any patient receiving a COVID-19 test, if negative, there MUST e a Z-code to describe why the test was taken. (Test negative for COVID-19 and MD does not override negative results).
Part 3: Clinical Indicators for Acute Kidney Injury/Failure | AKI Series
In the first parts of this series we looked at definitions of AKI/ARF, causes, coding and sequencing. In Part 3, we will look at what clinical indicators would possibly be present to support the diagnosis of AKI/ARF.
FY2021 Proposed Rule and Code Changes Highlights
The FY2021 IPPS Proposed Rule is out and here are some highlights from it regarding ICD-10 Code proposals. We will know if these changes are permanent after the public comment period is over on July 10, 2020 and CMS prepares the Final Rule, usually out by August 1.
Part 2: Specificity Coding of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and Sequencing | AKI Series
As discussed in Part 1 of this series, AKI/ARF is a common diagnosis that coders see daily. In Part 2, we are going to focus on the different types/specificity of AKI/ARF. We’ll learn what they mean, as well as how to code the diagnosis.
Part 1: What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)? | AKI Series
This is part 1 in a series focused on coding of acute kidney injury (AKI) and/or acute renal failure (ARF). AKI/ARF is reported often, but is also one of the most common diagnosis found in denials.
Coding Tip: Covid-19 Diagnosis Coding Common Scenarios
With the proliferation of COVID-19 cases, we thought we would put together a quick reference listing of some of the common scenarios that coders have asked about. As with all coding, coders should follow Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and the COVD-19 Frequently Asked Questions document by the AHA.
Reporting Telehealth Services During the COVID-19 Emergency
Effective March 1, Medicare will pay physicians for telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits for all diagnoses, not just services related to COVID-19. This great for providers whose patients are reluctant to visit the office.
Coding Tip: What is Single Path Coding?
The biggest reasons why some hospital systems are moving to single path coding is to eliminate duplicative processes and to optimize productivity. In addition, costs are reduced when only one coder “touches” the record and completes both types of coding.
Coding Tip: Reporting Vaping in ICD-10-CM | Effective on 4/1/2020
Effective with 4/1/2020 discharges, ICD-10-CM code U07.0 is used to report vaping -related disorders. ICD-10-CM code U07.0 (vaping related disorder) should be used when documentation supports that the patient has a lung-related disorder from vaping. This code is found in the new ICD-10-CM Chapter 22. U07.0 will be in listed in the ICD-10-CM manual under a new section: Provisional assignment of new disease of uncertain etiology or emergency use.
Telehealth and the Coronavirus
The US government and public-health officials are urging consumers to utilize telemedicine for remote treatment, fill prescriptions and get medical attention during the new coronavirus pandemic. The goal is to keep people with symptoms at home and to practice social distancing if their condition doesn’t warrant more intensive hospital care.
Coronavirus: Tips for Working from Home
Coronavirus: Tips for working from home. Companies around the world have told their employees to stay home and work remotely. Whether you’re a new to this concept or a work from home veteran, here’s some tips to staying productive from our #HIAfamily.
Part 2: How Coders Can Address Coding Mismatches | CDI Series
This is part two of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) professionals. In this part, we discuss mismatches and how to best go about resolving them. In part three we will provide a case example of best practice interaction.
Part 1: How Coders Can Better Interact with CDI Teams | CDI Series
This is part one of a three part series in which we address how coders can better interact with Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) professionals. Many times these departments are separate and the remote environment makes it difficult to interact efficiently between the two departments. In part one, we will discuss the history and objectives of CDI so the coder has a better understanding of CDI’s role.
Coding Tip: Coding Diagnoses on Outpatient Encounters
One reason that coders should report chronic conditions (including history and status codes) on outpatient records is the HCC’s—Hierarchical Condition Categories. The quick and easy explanation of what HCC’s are is each HCC is mapped to certain ICD-10-CM codes or code ranges. HCC coding is designed to estimate future health care costs for patients.
Part 5: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 5 of this 5-part series, we will look at Chapter 4 within ICD-10-CM—E00-E89—Endocrine, Nutritional, and Metabolic Diseases. There is no possible way to include every guideline or coding reference for this chapter, but here are some of the most common issues.
Part 4: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 4 of this 5-part series, we will look at Chapter 10 within ICD-10-CM—J00-J99—Diseases of the Respiratory System. There is no possible way to include every guideline or coding reference for this chapter, but here are some of the most common issues.
Part 3: Top 5 ICD-10-CM Chapters 2019 | Acute Care Reviews
For Part 3 of this 5 part series, we will look at Chapter 9 within ICD-10-CM—I00-I99—Diseases of the Circulatory System. This chapter contains so many of the everyday diagnoses that we code such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke.