Introduction: Why Knowing the ICD-10 Code for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Matters
When it comes to critical medical conditions, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ranks among the most serious. It affects thousands of Americans annually and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. While patients usually focus on symptoms and treatments, healthcare professionals also need to navigate the often complex world of ICD-10 coding—and in 2025, understanding the correct abdominal aortic aneurysm ICD-10 code has never been more important.
Whether you’re a medical coder, billing specialist, healthcare provider, or a curious patient, this guide will walk you through what you need to know about abdominal aortic aneurysm, how it’s coded in ICD-10, and why it matters for clinical and billing accuracy in the U.S. healthcare system.
What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a balloon-like bulge that occurs in the part of the aorta running through the abdomen. It can expand over time and may eventually rupture, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
Common Causes and Risk Factors:
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Genetic predisposition
- Age (common in adults over 65)
- Male gender (more prevalent in men)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AAAs contribute to over 9,900 deaths annually in the U.S., many of which could be prevented with early detection.
What Does the ICD-10 Code for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Mean?
The ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) system is used in the U.S. for medical documentation, billing, insurance claims, and research tracking. Each condition, injury, or symptom has a unique code.
The ICD-10 codes for abdominal aortic aneurysm fall under the category I71 (Aortic aneurysm and dissection). The subcategory includes several specific codes based on the type, presence of rupture, and other details.
Breakdown of ICD-10 Codes for AAA (As of 2025)
| ICD-10 Code | Description |
|---|---|
| I71.3 | Abdominal aortic aneurysm, ruptured |
| I71.4 | Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture |
| I71.2 | Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture |
| I71.5 | Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, ruptured |
| I71.9 | Aortic aneurysm, unspecified |
When to Use Each Code:
- I71.3 is used for emergencies where the aneurysm has already ruptured.
- I71.4 is for detected aneurysms that have not ruptured and are being monitored or treated.
- I71.2/I71.5 applies when the aneurysm spans both thoracic and abdominal regions.
- I71.9 is used when the specific location of the aneurysm isn’t known or documented.
These codes help determine treatment protocols, insurance coverage, hospital reimbursements, and national health statistics.
How ICD-10 Coding Impacts Patient Care and Insurance
Accurate use of the abdominal aortic aneurysm ICD-10 code ensures:
- Proper medical record documentation
- Faster and more accurate billing
- Correct Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement
- Clear clinical communication among healthcare teams
U.S. Trends in 2024–2025:
- CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) has updated billing requirements to include more detailed aneurysm codes for specific risk stratification.
- Many EHR systems now flag inappropriate or incomplete ICD-10 codes for AAA, helping reduce billing errors and claim denials.
- Insurance carriers may deny claims if the ICD-10 code doesn’t match the procedure, such as EVAR (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair).
For the latest ICD-10 updates, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website.
Signs and Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Most AAAs are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally through imaging. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:
- A pulsating feeling near the navel
- Deep, constant pain in the abdomen or side
- Back pain
- Sudden, severe pain (ruptured aneurysm)
- Low blood pressure and fainting (signs of internal bleeding)
Screening is especially important for:
- Men aged 65–75 with a history of smoking
- People with a family history of AAA
- Individuals with high blood pressure or vascular disease
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends one-time ultrasound screening for AAA in specific high-risk groups. Learn more.
Diagnosis and Treatment of AAA
Diagnosis Methods:
- Abdominal Ultrasound – Most common and non-invasive
- CT Angiography (CTA) – Detailed imaging for surgical planning
- MRI – Sometimes used for follow-up or in patients with kidney issues
Treatment Options:
- Monitoring (if aneurysm is small and asymptomatic)
- Medication (to manage risk factors like blood pressure)
- Surgery
- Open surgical repair – Invasive but long-lasting
- Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) – Minimally invasive
Treatment decisions depend on the size of the aneurysm, risk of rupture, patient age, and overall health.
Medical Coding Example in Practice
Let’s say a 72-year-old male undergoes a CTA for back pain, revealing an abdominal aortic aneurysm measuring 5.5 cm, not ruptured.
Correct ICD-10 Code:
I71.4 – Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture
If the patient underwent EVAR surgery the next day, coders would link the procedure to I71.4, along with CPT codes for the surgery and any anesthesia administered.
Accurate coding can mean the difference between full reimbursement and denied claims for healthcare facilities.
ICD-10 vs ICD-11: Should You Be Concerned?
While ICD-11 has been officially released by the WHO, the U.S. is not expected to adopt ICD-11 until at least 2027. As of 2025, ICD-10-CM remains the official system for diagnosis codes in all U.S. healthcare settings.
Stay up to date with ICD transition plans by visiting CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
Documentation Tips for Healthcare Professionals
- Always confirm whether the AAA is ruptured or unruptured
- Note any comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, atherosclerosis)
- Document whether the aneurysm is thoracic, abdominal, or thoracoabdominal
- Include clinical symptoms and imaging results for support
Thorough documentation helps justify surgical procedures, especially in patients with multiple chronic conditions.
Key Takeaways for Coders and Clinicians
Use I71.3 for ruptured AAA
Use I71.4 for unruptured AAA
Be as specific as possible—this avoids billing issues
Refer to CMS and CDC resources for regular updates
Screening and early detection can be life-saving
Conclusion: The Importance of ICD-10 in Managing AAA
While it may seem like a small detail, choosing the right abdominal aortic aneurysm ICD-10 code has real consequences. It ensures accurate patient care, proper documentation, billing compliance, and effective tracking of national health data.
As AAA diagnoses continue to rise in older adults across the U.S., particularly due to increased screening and awareness, it’s vital that both medical professionals and coding specialists stay sharp on ICD-10 requirements.
Stay Updated on AAA and ICD-10 Guidelines
If you’re a healthcare provider or coding specialist, make sure you regularly review ICD-10 updates and refine your documentation skills. And if you’re a patient at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm, don’t wait—talk to your doctor about screening today.
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