ICD-10 Code I51.5 – Myocardial degeneration (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I51.5 – Myocardial degeneration
What it is
I51.5 identifies degeneration of the heart muscle that is not classified elsewhere. Use it when documentation describes myocardial degeneration without a more specific cause or diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Records may note myocardial weakness, abnormal cardiac function, or degenerative changes on imaging or pathology, but the exact findings must support the stated diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use I51.5 when the provider documents myocardial degeneration as the final diagnosis and does not identify a more specific condition. It may appear in cardiology notes, discharge summaries, or pathology reports. If the record names ischemic, inflammatory, or other specific heart disease, code that diagnosis instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for myocardial infarction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, or other clearly defined heart muscle disorders. Check documentation if the term is vague or if another cardiac condition is described.
Coding tip
Assign I51.5 only when the provider’s wording is explicit and no better-supported diagnosis is documented.