ICD-10 Code I20.2 – Refractory angina pectoris (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I20.2 – Refractory angina pectoris
What it is
I20.2 identifies angina pectoris that persists despite standard medical therapy. It describes chronic chest pain from myocardial ischemia that is difficult to control.
Clinical signs
Patients typically report recurrent chest discomfort, often with exertion or stress, that does not improve adequately with usual antianginal treatment. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use I20.2 when the provider documents refractory angina pectoris or equivalent wording such as persistent, intractable, or uncontrolled angina despite treatment. Code it for ongoing ischemic chest pain when the record clearly states the condition is refractory. Check documentation if the note only says chest pain without angina.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unspecified chest pain, stable angina without refractory features, or acute coronary syndrome. If the record does not clearly support refractory angina, choose a more specific or unspecified code only when appropriate.
Coding tip
Look for explicit provider wording that the angina is refractory, since persistence alone does not always justify I20.2.