Cardiology Coding Alert

Keep a close eye out for ‘secondary’ to ensure you choose the appropriate code. When ICD-10 replaces ICD-9 in 2014, even some of your options for "other" specified diagnoses will get more specific. Here’s what to expect for "not otherwise specified" (NOS) pulmonary hypertension and heart disease coding. ICD-9-CM Code 416.8, Other chronic pulmonary heart disease ICD-10 Code I27.2, Other secondary pulmonary hypertension I27.89, Other specified pulmonary heart disease High blood pressure affecting the vessels of the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension. Related issues may include heart failure and blood clots. It also makes the right side of the heart work harder. If pulmonary hypertension is identified as secondary, that means it is caused by another medical problem. ICD-9 coding rules: Instructions with 416.8 tell you that the code is appropriate for pulmonary hypertension NOS and secondary pulmonary hypertension. ICD-10 changes: Under ICD-10, pulmonary hypertension NOS is coded to I27.2, [...]