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New Refractory Angina Pectoris Codes

Published on 

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

 | FAQ 

Did You Know?

There are many new codes for Refractory Angina Pectoris as of October 1, 2022. For example:

  • Refractory Angina Pectoris, I20.2
  • CAD of Native Coronary Artery with Refractory Angina Pectoris, I25.112

Why Should You Care?

Refractory Angina has been designated as a Complication/Comorbidity. These new codes could impact the Severity of Illness for that admission. Refractory Angina Pectoris is a type of angina present in patients that have irreversible ischemia even though they have been treated with combinations of medications, PCI, or CABG. These patients are difficult to treat as they are already on multiple medications and surgical options would not be appropriate for the patient. In cases where the type of angina is not documented, knowing the types of antianginal medications will help with querying the physician to see if that patient was being treated for Refractory Angina Pectoris. Antianginal medications would be prescribed daily on a long-term basis and not just P.R.N.

Types of Antianginal Drugs with Examples:

  • Nitrites – Isosorbide Mononitrate, Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide Dinitrate
  • Beta-Blockers – Metoprolol, Carvedilol, Propanolol
  • Calcium-Channel Blockers – Diltiazem, Amlodipine, Verapamil
  • Metabolic Modulators – Ranolazine

It is important to note that codes for chronic conditions that are currently receiving treatment may be assigned even though symptoms may not be present for that admission.

What Can I Do About It?

Become familiar with the types of antianginal drugs and the definition of Refractory Angina Pectoris. Also review the Coding Clinics listed below.

References:

Coding Clinic, 4th Quarter 2022, page 20

Coding Clinic, 3rd Quarter 1991, page 16

Article Author: Anita Meyers, RHIT, CCS
Anita Meyers, RHIT, CCS, is an Inpatient Coding Professional at Medical Management Plus. Anita has over twenty-six years of experience in inpatient and outpatient coding including 17 years of work at AQAF reviewing inpatient and outpatient records from Alabama hospitals. In addition to reviewing records she was the team leader in Beneficiary Services where she participated in case review activities, received and processed beneficiary complaints and handled fee-for-service denials for home health, hospice and skilled nursing facility services. Prior to joining the MMP team, Anita left AQAF to become an inpatient contract coder and worked at various hospitals in central Alabama. In her current position, Anita is an integral part of the Inpatient Services at Medical Management Plus.

This material was compiled to share information.  MMP, Inc. is not offering legal advice. Every reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and useful.