How are conditions listed under "threatened" or "impending" treated in ICD-10-CM coding?

The correct approach to coding conditions listed as "threatened" or "impending" in ICD-10-CM is that they should be coded only if the condition has actually occurred. This reflects the guideline that codes are assigned based on the definitive condition that is present rather than just a potential or anticipated future state.

For instance, if a patient is experiencing signs that indicate a heart attack is likely but has not yet had one occur, the appropriate coding would not include a heart attack code until it has been confirmed. This principle helps ensure that the medical coding accurately represents the patient’s current clinical situation, which is critical for both accurate billing and effective healthcare management.

Conditions labeled "threatened" or "impending" typically indicate a risk or likelihood rather than a confirmed diagnosis. Therefore, coding only when the condition has actually manifested aligns with the appropriate use of coding criteria as outlined in ICD-10-CM guidelines.