Cardiac septal defect, acquired

This code represents a structural abnormality of the heart's septum (the wall dividing the heart chambers) that develops after birth. This defect can occur in either the atrial or ventricular septum, leading to abnormal blood flow between the heart chambers. It is not a congenital condition but rather one that arises later in life due to various causes.

Use this code for documented cases of a septal defect that is clearly stated as acquired. This includes defects resulting from trauma, infection (e.g., endocarditis), or degenerative processes. Documentation should explicitly differentiate an acquired defect from a congenital one.

• Carefully review documentation to ensure the septal defect is explicitly stated as "acquired" and not congenital.
• Remember the Excludes1 note: do not code this alongside I23.1 or I23.2 for septal defects as a current complication of acute MI.
• Investigate the underlying cause of the acquired defect, as additional codes may be necessary to fully describe the patient's condition.