Syncope ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide and learn about syncope ICD codes you can use to improve your medical coding.
What syncope ICD codes can I use?
If you’re looking for syncope ICD codes, there are several! Some of these ICD codes are for specific types of syncope, while some don’t even have syncope in their name but can be used for syncope. Here are some that you can use:
- G90.01 - Carotid sinus syncope
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have carotid sinus syncope, which means they lost consciousness due to carotid sinus hypersensitivity.
- R05.4 - Cough syncope
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have cough syncope, which means they lost consciousness due to coughing. This is not accepted as a principal diagnosis because it results from coughs caused by something specific, like asthma.
- T67.1XXA - Heat syncope, initial encounter
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have heat syncope, meaning the patient lost consciousness due to the heat. It commonly happens when it’s too hot for the patient, and they stand for long periods without moving or suddenly stand up after sitting or lying down for too long. The initial encounter label means they are being given active treatment for it.
- T67.1XXD - Heat syncope, subsequent encounter
This is the same as Item 3, but this time, it has a subsequent encounter label, which means that the patient is in the recovery phase and is still being given active care for heat syncope.
- T67.1XXS - Heat syncope, sequela
This is the same as Item 3, but this time, it has a sequela label, which means the patient is dealing with the after-effects of heat syncope. Given the label, this ICD-10 code should be accompanied by two other ICD-10 codes, one of which should designate the sequela’s nature, while the other should describe the sequela (meaning its effects). In the context of this ICD-10 code, these problems were caused by the heat syncope.
- T75.81XA - Effects of abnormal gravitation [G] forces, initial encounter
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on patients dealing with the effects of abnormal gravitation forces. If you’re wondering what syncope has to do with this, there is a type of syncope called Airline Syncope, which is the loss of consciousness while flying in an airplane. Cabin air pressure, immobility, air quality, standing up after being seated for too long, and the centrifugal force while flying are possible reasons for this. This ICD-10 code also has an initial encounter label.
- T75.81XD - Effects of abnormal gravitation [G] forces, subsequent encounter
This is the same as Item 6, but this time, there’s a subsequent encounter label.
- T75.81XS - Effects of abnormal gravitation [G] forces, sequela
This is the same as Item 6, but this time, there’s a sequela label.
Are these syncope ICD codes billable?
Yes. All of the aforementioned syncope-related ICD-10 codes we listed are valid and billable.
Clinical information about Syncope
Syncope is the term used to describe the loss of consciousness or fainting. A person will faint if there is a sudden drop in blood flow in the brain and other abody areas Those with low blood pressure or drops in their heart rate can lose consciousness.
Those who faint will likely become conscious again after a few seconds or minutes, but when they wake, they will likely feel delirious, tired, and confused.
A person who is about to pass will likely have the following symptoms:
- They will have headaches and feel dizzy and lightheaded
- They will feel groggy and sleepy
- They will probably have spots in their vision
- They will probably have tunnel vision
- They will feel like passing out after eating or after a physical activity
Sometimes, syncope might result from an underlying condition, so a person should get checked by a professional after an incidence of syncope to determine what caused it. Treatment will depend on the findings.
Most of the time, syncope is harmless, but if it’s related to a neurological or heart condition, it can be life-threatening.
Synonyms include
- Carotid sinus syncope
- Situational syncope
- Tussive syncope
- Heat syncope
- Cardiac syncope
- Psychogenic syncope
- Syncope due to orthostatic hypotension
- Effort syncope
- Vasovagal syncope
- Hypotensive syncope
Commonly asked questions
Yes. There are a few. We suggest you don’t use them because they aren’t specific and are invalid.
There are many tests that can help diagnose syncope, such as exercise stress tests, head-up tilt test, EKGs, echocardiograms, ambulatory monitors, CT scans, and even neurological evaluations.
It depends on the cause, but treatment can involve the use of medication (such as midodrine), wearing certain garments or compressions stockings to improve blood circulation in the body, dietary adjustments (more salt, more fluid intake, more potassium-based food, and less or no intake of alcohol and caffeine), and avoiding situations that can trigger syncope.