Congenital Disorders Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Fontan Procedure in ICD-10-PCS
Instructor
Beth Martilik, MA, RHIA, CDIP, CCSDescription
Congenital Disorder Coding: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Fontan Procedure (ICD-10-PCS) is an online, self-paced course for inpatient coders who need a clear understanding of how the Fontan procedure is performed and coded as the final stage of palliative surgical management for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. This course reviews the clinical purpose, historical development, and surgical technique of the Fontan procedure, with emphasis on how altered blood flow is achieved to support long-term circulation. Coders will learn how to interpret operative documentation, apply ICD-10-PCS root operations, body part values, and approaches, and reference relevant Coding Clinic guidance. The course includes 1 AHIMA CEU and helps coders accurately code this complex congenital heart procedure with confidence and consistency.
**Note: It is recommended that the coder complete the Courses entitled: Congenital Disorders Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Diagnosis, Congenital Disorders Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Norwood Procedure and Congenital Disorders Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Bi-Directional Glenn Procedure prior to attempting this course.
Included Lessons:
- What is a Fontan Procedure?
- The Procedure
- Coding Clinic References
- ICD-10-PCS Coding
Key Takeaways
- Understanding of Fontan Procedure: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Fontan procedure, its purpose, and its role in the treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
- Surgical Techniques: Learners will become proficient in distinguishing between different surgical techniques used in the Fontan procedure, such as the lateral tunnel method and extracardiac method, and understand the implications of each.
- Historical Perspective: Students will acquire historical context, including knowledge of the procedure's origins and the contributions of prominent physicians like Dr. Fontan and Dr. Kreutzer.
- Palliative Reconstruction: A crucial takeaway will be an appreciation for the Fontan procedure's place in a three-stage palliative surgical reconstruction plan for congenital heart defects, including the Norwood and Glenn procedures.
- ICD-10-PCS Coding: Coders will develop proficiency in accurately coding the Fontan procedure using the ICD-10-PCS coding system, including familiarity with relevant qualifiers and coding guidelines.
- Patient Population: An understanding of the patient population requiring the Fontan procedure, including when it is typically performed and its clinical significance.
- Anatomy and Physiology: A grasp of the anatomical changes and physiological alterations that occur as a result of the Fontan procedure.
- Fenestration and Safety Measures: Knowledge about the use of fenestration in the Fontan procedure for pressure relief and safety, and its coding implications.
Benefits of Taking this Course
- Enhanced Expertise in Coding Complex Cardiac Procedures
- Career Advancement
- Greater Accuracy in Assigning ICD-10-PCS Codes for Fontan Procedures
- Increased Confidence
- Professional Development
FAQs
What will I learn about coding the Fontan procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome in ICD-10-PCS?
This course explains how the Fontan procedure is performed as the final stage in surgical palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and how that intent translates to ICD-10-PCS coding. You’ll learn how to identify the correct root operation, body part, approach, and device values by analyzing the operative report and understanding the physiologic goal of the Fontan circulation.
How does the course help coders understand the Fontan procedure’s role in staged HLHS surgical repair?
The course provides clinical context for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and explains how the Fontan procedure differs from earlier stages such as the Norwood and Glenn procedures. By understanding how blood flow is redirected and why the procedure is performed, coders can more accurately interpret documentation and apply ICD-10-PCS guidelines with confidence.
Will this course improve my ability to identify documentation details needed for accurate ICD-10-PCS coding of the Fontan procedure?
Yes. The course highlights the documentation elements coders must confirm, including the vessels involved, surgical connections created, use of conduits or devices, and overall procedural intent. You’ll learn how to translate complex pediatric cardiac surgery terminology into precise ICD-10-PCS code components and recognize when additional clarification may be needed.
About Our Medical Coding Courses
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Courses are available across various coding types including CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS, and are designed for multiple specialties including inpatient, outpatient, profee, and CDI.
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Overview
Code Type
Keep learning with more medical coding courses from HIAlearn.
Congenital Disorders Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Diagnosis in ICD‑10‑CM
Provides the diagnostic foundation and clinical context preceding the Fontan procedure coding.
Congenital Disorders Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Norwood Procedure in ICD‑10‑PCS
Focuses on the initial surgical stage, which sets the procedural context for later Fontan coding.
Congenital Disorders Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Bi‑Directional Glenn Procedure in ICD‑10‑PCS
Teaches the intermediate step of staged HLHS surgical intervention—critical for understanding sequencing toward Fontan.
