Alcoholic cardiomyopathy

This code represents a form of dilated cardiomyopathy specifically caused by chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. It involves the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle, leading to impaired pumping function and potential heart failure. The condition is directly attributable to the toxic effects of alcohol on the myocardium.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates cardiomyopathy directly resulting from chronic alcohol abuse. This diagnosis is supported by a history of significant alcohol intake and findings consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy, with other causes ruled out. The physician's statement explicitly linking the cardiomyopathy to alcohol is crucial.

• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly states "alcoholic cardiomyopathy" or clearly links cardiomyopathy to alcohol abuse.
• Do not use this code for other types of cardiomyopathy, even if the patient has a history of alcohol use, unless a direct causal link is established.
• Consider sequencing this code as a principal diagnosis when it is the primary reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it coexists with other conditions.