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Cardiology Coding Alert

READER QUESTION ~ Looking for Pseudoaneurysm Dx? Check Aneurysm

Published on Mon Jan 01, 2007

Question: My cardiologist documented a "pseudoaneurysm." What is it, and what diagnosis code should I use?

Washington Subscriber

Answer: A pseudoaneurysm is also known as a "false aneurysm." An artery dilates with actual disruption of one or more of its walls, rather than dilating with expansion of all wall layers. The most common cause of this condition is penetrating trauma.  
   
For a diagnosis code, check the aneurysm section of your ICD-9 manual. For example, if this aneurysm is located in the femoral artery, you should use 442.3 (Other aneurysm; of artery of lower extremity).
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