Question: A patient has sick sinus syndrome. How should I report this diagnosis on my claim? Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: You should report I49.5 (Sick sinus syndrome) for sick sinus syndrome. Sick sinus syndrome defined: When a patient has sick sinus syndrome (SSS), their heart’s natural pacemaker, which is the sinus node, is not able to maintain a heart rate appropriate for their body’s needs. So, the patient will have arrythmias, such as bradycardia. Don’t miss: Code I49.5 also includes tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome. This condition occurs when the patient’s heart will beat too quickly and too slowly. Tip: If you choose I49.5, you should “code first” cardiac arrhythmia complicating: