ICD-10 Code I01.0 – Acute rheumatic pericarditis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I01.0 – Acute rheumatic pericarditis
What it is
Acute rheumatic pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium occurring as part of acute rheumatic fever. Use this code when the record links pericardial inflammation to a rheumatic process.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, the chart may note chest pain, pericardial rub, or evidence of pericardial inflammation alongside other rheumatic fever findings.
When to use this code
Use I01.0 when the provider documents acute rheumatic pericarditis or rheumatic fever with pericardial involvement. It may also apply when the diagnosis is stated as a rheumatic carditis component with pericarditis clearly identified. Check documentation if the record only says pericarditis without a rheumatic cause.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonrheumatic or idiopathic pericarditis. Do not assign it when the record does not support an acute rheumatic etiology; check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the rheumatic link in the provider note before coding, because pericarditis alone is not enough for I01.0.