Why ICD-10 codes are important
Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Unfortunately, patients often show no signs or symptoms before the aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, fails.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm, without rupture I71. 2 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM I71. 2 became effective on October 1, 2021.
Aortic aneurysms can develop anywhere in the body's main artery (aorta). The aorta runs from the heart through the chest and belly area (abdomen). When an aneurysm occurs in the chest, it's called a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
I71.0I71. 0 - Dissection of aorta | ICD-10-CM.
The entire aorta divides into two parts: the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta. The ascending aorta, along with the aortic arch and the descending aorta, makes up the thoracic aorta.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture I71. 4 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM I71. 4 became effective on October 1, 2021.
As soon as thoracic aortic aneurysm is diagnosed, the patient should be referred to a cardiologist who has special interest in aortic disease. This will allow for appropriate and timely decisions about medical management, imaging, follow-up and referral to surgery.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm, ruptured I71. 1 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM I71. 1 became effective on October 1, 2021.
The thoracic aorta runs from the aortic arch to the diaphragm, which is the point of separation between the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity. It provides blood to the muscles of the chest wall and the spinal cord.
A serious complication of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is an aortic dissection. This is a tear in the aortic lining. It can occur anywhere along the aorta. An aortic dissection starts with a tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall of the thoracic aorta. This can be a life-threatening emergency.
An ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm is bulging and weakness in the wall of the ascending thoracic aorta, which extends up from the top of the heart's left ventricle. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, located in the chest, which delivers blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
For the thoracic aorta, a diameter greater than 3.5 cm is generally considered dilated, whereas greater than 4.5 cm would be considered aneurysmal. Aneurysms may affect one or more segments of the thoracic aorta, including the ascending aorta, the arch, and the descending thoracic aorta.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are serious health risks because they can burst or rupture. A ruptured aneurysm can cause severe internal bleeding, which can rapidly lead to shock or death. If an aneurysm is large and close to the heart, it may affect the heart valves and lead to a condition called congestive heart failure.