Acute systolic (congestive) heart failure

This code signifies a sudden onset or worsening of heart failure primarily due to impaired ventricular contraction, leading to insufficient blood ejection from the heart. It indicates a state where the heart's pumping function is acutely compromised, resulting in symptoms like dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "acute systolic heart failure" or "acute exacerbation of systolic heart failure." This diagnosis is supported by findings such as reduced ejection fraction on echocardiogram, elevated BNP levels, and clinical signs of acute decompensation.

• Differentiate from chronic systolic heart failure (I50.22) and acute on chronic systolic heart failure (I50.23).
• Ensure documentation specifies "systolic" and "acute" to avoid miscoding.
• Always sequence this code as a principal diagnosis when it is the primary reason for admission or encounter.