ICD-10 Code I01.9 – Acute Rheumatic Heart Disease, Unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I01.9 – Acute rheumatic heart disease, unspecified
What it is
I01.9 identifies acute rheumatic heart disease when the record does not specify the exact valve or cardiac structure involved. It is used for a rheumatic cardiac complication occurring in the acute phase after streptococcal infection.
Clinical signs
Findings may include new or changing heart murmur, carditis, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or signs of heart failure. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents acute rheumatic heart disease but does not name the valve or provide a more specific rheumatic heart diagnosis. It also fits cases where the note confirms rheumatic cardiac involvement, yet details are incomplete. If the record specifies a valve or chronic rheumatic disease, choose the more precise code.
Do not use for
Do not use I01.9 for rheumatic fever without heart involvement, chronic rheumatic heart disease, or nonrheumatic valvular disorders. Check documentation if the diagnosis is only suspected.
Coding tip
Query for the affected valve or whether the condition is acute versus chronic before defaulting to I01.9.