The icd 10 code paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
The icd 10 code paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a common type of abnormal heart rhythm characterized by sudden episodes of rapid heartbeats originating above the ventricles. These episodes can last from a few seconds to several hours and often recur, impacting a person’s quality of life. Accurate coding of PSVT in medical records is essential for appropriate treatment, billing, and statistical analysis. The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), provides specific codes for various medical conditions, including PSVT, facilitating standardized documentation across healthcare providers.
In ICD-10, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is primarily coded under I47.1, which is designated for “Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.” This code falls within the broader category of cardiac arrhythmias, highlighting its nature as an episodic rhythm disturbance. The “paroxysmal” aspect signifies that the arrhythmia occurs in sudden episodes, contrasting with persistent or chronic tachycardia. The term “supraventricular” specifies that the abnormal electrical activity originates above the ventricles, typically in the atria or the atrioventricular (AV) node.
The clinical presentation of PSVT often includes sudden onset and termination of rapid heartbeat episodes, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and sometimes chest discomfort. Diagnosis involves electrocardiogram (ECG) recording during an episode, revealing characteristic narrow QRS complexes and rapid rates, often between 150 to 250 beats per minute. Additional diagnostic tools may include Holter monitoring or electrophysiological studies, especially if episodes are infrequent or uncertain.
Treatment strategies for PSVT vary depending on severity and frequency of episodes. Acute management often involves vagal maneuvers like carotid sinus massage or the Valsalva maneuver to terminate episodes. Pharmacological interventions may include adenosine, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers to control or prevent recurrences. In cases where medication is ineffective or episodes are frequent and debilitating, invasive procedures such as catheter ablation may be recommended. This procedure seeks to eliminate the abnormal electrical pathway responsible for the arrhythmia.
Proper coding of PSVT in the ICD-10 system ensures accurate communication among healthcare providers, supports effective billing, and contributes to epidemiological data collection. When documenting a diagnosis, clinicians should specify the nature of the arrhythmia, including whether it is paroxysmal, persistent, or chronic, to select the most precise code. For instance, if the episodes are recurrent and episodic, I47.1 is appropriate. However, if the tachycardia is associated with underlying conditions such as atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) or atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT), additional codes or documentation may be necessary.
In summary, understanding the ICD-10 coding for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is vital for proper diagnosis documentation and management. Recognizing its presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options allows healthcare professionals to deliver optimal care, while precise coding ensures seamless communication within the healthcare system.









