Atrial Flutter ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Atrial Flutter? 

Atrial flutter is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid, regular atrial contractions. Proper coding is essential for accurate medical documentation and billing. Here are some commonly used ICD-10 codes for atrial flutter:

I48.0: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

This code is used when the atrial flutter is intermittent or self-terminating. It represents rapid, irregular atrial contractions that can cause symptoms like palpitations and shortness of breath.

I48.1: Persistent atrial fibrillation

This code is used when the atrial flutter is continuous and does not self-terminate within seven days. It indicates ongoing rapid and irregular atrial contractions, requiring medical intervention for control.

I48.2: Chronic atrial fibrillation

This code is used when the atrial flutter persists for over a year. It signifies long-standing rapid and irregular atrial contractions, often associated with structural heart disease or other underlying conditions.

I48.91: Unspecified atrial fibrillation

This code is used when the atrial flutter's specific type or duration is not documented. It is a placeholder for cases where further information is not available or sufficient.

I48.21: Permanent atrial fibrillation

This code is used when the atrial flutter is established as a permanent condition and is unlikely to be corrected or restored to a normal sinus rhythm.

I48.4: Persistent atrial flutter

This code is used specifically for persistent atrial flutter without fibrillation. It represents a continuous, regular atrial contraction rhythm that does not self-terminate within seven days.

I48.9: Unspecified atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter

This code is used when the medical record mentions atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter but lacks specific details to assign a more precise code. It is used as a last resort when no further information is available.

I48.92: Unspecified atrial fibrillation, chronic

This code is used when the atrial flutter is documented as chronic, but the duration is unspecified. It signifies a long-standing irregular atrial contraction rhythm that persists over time.

I48.22: Chronic atrial flutter

This code is used when the atrial flutter persists for more than a year and is specifically diagnosed as chronic. It indicates ongoing, regular atrial contractions that require medical management.

I48.3: Typical atrial flutter

This code is used when the atrial flutter follows a predictable pattern characterized by rapid and regular atrial contractions. It typically originates in the right atrium and requires specific treatment strategies.

Which Atrial Flutter ICD codes are Billable: 

I48.0: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Yes, it is billable. This code represents intermittent or self-terminating atrial flutter that requires medical attention and management for symptomatic relief or to prevent complications.

I48.1: Persistent atrial fibrillation

Yes, it is billable. This code is used when the atrial flutter is continuous and does not self-terminate within seven days, requiring ongoing medical intervention and treatment.

I48.2: Chronic atrial fibrillation

Yes, it is billable. This code indicates long-standing atrial flutter that persists for more than a year and necessitates ongoing medical management and monitoring due to its chronic nature.

I48.91: Unspecified atrial fibrillation

Yes, it is billable. This code is a placeholder when the specific type or duration of atrial flutter is not documented, but medical attention and evaluation are still necessary.

I48.21: Permanent atrial fibrillation

Yes, it is billable. This code is used when the atrial flutter is established as a permanent condition and requires ongoing medical management and treatment for symptom control or to prevent complications.

I48.4: Persistent atrial flutter

Yes, it is billable. This code represents continuous, regular atrial contractions that persist for more than seven days but do not exhibit fibrillation, necessitating medical attention and treatment.

I48.9: Unspecified atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter

Yes, it is billable. This code is used when the medical record mentions atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter without specific details, indicating the need for further evaluation and management.

I48.92: Unspecified atrial fibrillation, chronic

Yes, it is billable. This code is used when the atrial flutter is documented as chronic without specifying the duration, requiring ongoing medical management and treatment.

I48.22: Chronic atrial flutter

Yes, it is billable. This code is used for atrial flutter that persists for over a year and is specifically diagnosed as chronic, necessitating ongoing medical attention and treatment.

I48.3: Typical atrial flutter

Yes, it is billable. This code represents a specific type of atrial flutter characterized by a predictable pattern and requires medical management and treatment for symptomatic relief or to prevent complications.

Clinical Information

• Atrial flutter is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid, regular atrial contractions.
• It is often associated with structural heart disease, such as cardiomyopathy or valvular abnormalities.
• Patients with atrial flutter may present with symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting.
• Electrocardiography (ECG) findings typically confirm atrial flutter diagnosis, which shows characteristic sawtooth-shaped flutter waves.
• Atrial flutter can increase the risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events due to blood pooling in the atria.
• Treatment options for atrial flutter include rate control, rhythm control, and anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolic events.
• Rate control involves medications or procedures to slow the ventricular response rate, improving symptoms and reducing the risk of complications.
• Rhythm control aims to restore normal sinus rhythm through medications or procedures such as electrical cardioversion or catheter ablation.
• Anticoagulation therapy is often prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke, especially in patients with additional risk factors.
• Long-term management of atrial flutter includes regular follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and monitoring for potential complications or recurrence.

Synonyms Include:

• Cardiac flutter
• Atrial tachycardia
• Atrial arrhythmia
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Rapid atrial rhythm