ICD-9 Coding Question: Tachycardia 785.0 vs 427.x

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machelle - 24 Jan 2006 21:38 GMT

Hi
I'm hoping that this is an appropriate forum for my question:

I was wondering when one would code a Tachycardia as 785.0 in ICD-9 as
opposed to an ICD-9 code within 427.x:

427.0 Supraventricular tachycrdia;
427.1 Ventricular tachycrdia; or
437.2 Tachycardia, unspecified

Does anyone know?

thanks,

Machelle

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Shylirin - 31 Jan 2006 07:02 GMT

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"Learning by Experience is the hardest method. It gives you the Test first,
then the Lesson."

> Hi
> I'm hoping that this is an appropriate forum for my question:
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Machelle

Well, since 785.0 is Tachycardia, unspecified, I would expect that to be
used any time the physician either does not know the cause (still doing
tests) or does not list it. The other three codes you listed (427.0 -
427.2) type the tachycardie as either paroxsymal or supraventricular. This
makes them more specific, requiring a different code. The physician should
decide what the descriptor is or should be. Consult your billing specialist
for more (and probably better) information.

good luck!
Shylirin

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machelle - 31 Jan 2006 13:15 GMT

hi
Here's the problem:

427.3 is Tachycardia, unspecified. That means, that you cant code it as
either Ventricular (427.1) or Supraventricular (427.0). OK, that's
clear.

But if you already have a code for unspecified Tachycardia in 427.3,
then when would you use 785.0 ???

thanks

Machelle

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Shylirin - 07 Feb 2006 05:58 GMT

--
Send replies to shylirin AT cox DOT net
"Learning by Experience is the hardest method. It gives you the Test first,
then the Lesson."

> hi
> Here's the problem:
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Machelle

427.3 is Atrial Fibrilliation and Flutter, 785.0 is Tachycardia,
Unspecified. What ICD9 book are you using that has 427.3 as Tachycardia?
427.2 is Paroxsymal Tachycardia, Unspecified.... perhaps that is the cause
of the confusion?

Shylirin

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machelle - 07 Feb 2006 13:31 GMT

Hi,
no... the 437.2 was a typo. It was supposed to be 427.2

the question had to do with when 427.2 is coded over 785.0 since both
are unspecific codes for tachycardia (i.e. not specific as to
ventricular or supraventricular).

Chronic nonparoxysmal junctional tachycardia is extremely rare, as
arrhythmias are by nature paroxysmal or "attack-like" in nature. I
think the key has to do with the fact that 785.0 is under symptoms and
signs. My only guess is that there is no supporting ECG to verify the
tachycardia. I would just have hoped there was someone out there who
would know for sure.

Thanks,

Machelle

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