ICD-10 Code for CAD: I25.10, Atherosclerotic Heart Disease of Native Coronary Artery Without Angina Pectoris.
Understanding CAD (Coronary Artery Disease)
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease, is a condition caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries — the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
This buildup can restrict blood flow, leading to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even heart attacks.
CAD remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, making accurate medical coding essential for proper diagnosis, billing, and treatment documentation.
Primary ICD-10 Code for CAD
The main ICD-10 code used to document CAD is:
-
I25.10 — Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris
This is the default or unspecified code when a patient has coronary artery disease without symptoms of angina.
Common ICD-10 Codes Related to CAD
| ICD-10 Code | Description |
|---|---|
| I25.10 | Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris |
| I25.11 | Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery with angina pectoris |
| I25.110 | With unstable angina pectoris |
| I25.111 | With angina pectoris with documented spasm |
| I25.118 | With other forms of angina pectoris |
| I25.119 | With unspecified angina pectoris |
| I25.9 | Chronic ischemic heart disease, unspecified |
Tip: Always code to the highest level of specificity based on the patient’s documentation, including whether the patient has angina and the type of coronary artery involved.
Why ICD-10 Coding for CAD Matters
Accurate coding helps in:
- Ensuring proper reimbursement from insurance providers
- Supporting clinical research and patient tracking
- Facilitating quality reporting and outcome measures
- Avoiding claim denials due to incomplete documentation
Medical coders and healthcare providers should always verify the exact diagnosis in the patient’s chart before finalizing a CAD code.
Example Documentation
A 67-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease presents for a routine checkup. He denies chest pain or shortness of breath.
Appropriate ICD-10 Code: I25.10 – Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris
Key Takeaways
- The primary ICD-10 code for CAD is I25.10
- If angina is present, use I25.11x subcodes
- Always ensure documentation supports the level of specificity
- Correct coding improves accuracy, billing, and patient care outcomes
Final Words
Knowing the ICD-10 code for CAD (I25.10) helps clinicians, billers, and coders maintain compliance and ensure accurate patient records.
Always double-check documentation and use the most specific ICD-10 code available for the patient’s condition.