Palpitations

This code signifies the subjective sensation of an abnormal or irregular heartbeat, which may be described by the patient as a pounding, fluttering, racing, or skipping feeling in the chest. It is a symptom, not a definitive diagnosis, and can be intermittent or persistent.

Use this code when documentation indicates a patient is experiencing palpitations without a more specific underlying cardiac rhythm disturbance or other definitive diagnosis being established. This code is appropriate for initial presentations of palpitations or when the cause remains undetermined after evaluation.

• Do not use this code as a primary diagnosis if a definitive cardiac arrhythmia (e.g., atrial fibrillation, tachycardia) has been diagnosed.
• Always sequence this code after any underlying cause of the palpitations, if known and documented.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the patient's complaint of palpitations; avoid coding from vague terms like "heart flutters" without further clarification.