Q249 - A birth defect affecting the heart's structure that hasn't been specifically identified
International Classification of Diseases
What is a ICD-10 Code?
ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes are used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in association with hospital care. These codes provide a standardized way to track health conditions and their treatment outcomes.
Detailed Description
This code indicates that a person was born with a heart defect, but the specific type of defect hasn't been determined or specified in the medical records. Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart that are present from birth. They can affect the heart's walls, valves, or blood vessels. The term 'unspecified' means that while doctors know there is a heart malformation, they either haven't identified the exact type yet or the medical documentation doesn't include those specific details. These conditions can range from very mild defects that may never cause problems to more serious ones that require ongoing medical care or treatment.
Additional Information
Cost varies significantly depending on the specific type and severity of the heart defect, ranging from routine monitoring visits to complex surgical interventions. Further testing is typically needed to determine the exact nature of the heart malformation and appropriate treatment plan.
Category
Congenital Anomalies
Medical Specialty
Cardiology/Pediatric Cardiology
Expected Costs
Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What's Required Before This
- Echocardiogram
- Physical examination
- Medical history review
What to Expect After
- Regular cardiology monitoring
- Possible additional diagnostic testing
- Activity level assessment
- Potential specialist referrals
Why Understanding This Code Matters
On Your Medical Bill
This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.
For Your Health
Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.
Want This Level of Detail on All Your Claims?
Get detailed explanations for every medical code on your Medicare bills. Currently supporting Medicare only.