ICD-10 Code I02.9 – Rheumatic chorea without heart involvement (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I02.9 – Rheumatic chorea without heart involvement
What it is
I02.9 identifies rheumatic chorea, also called Sydenham chorea, when it occurs without rheumatic heart disease. It reflects involuntary movement disorder linked to rheumatic fever, with no documented cardiac involvement.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden, purposeless, irregular movements, emotional lability, and decreased motor control. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use I02.9 when the record clearly documents rheumatic chorea and specifically states there is no heart involvement. It fits cases where the neurologic manifestation is present, but rheumatic carditis or other cardiac disease is excluded. Check documentation if the note is unclear about cardiac findings.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chorea from nonrheumatic causes or for rheumatic heart disease with chorea. If heart involvement is documented, choose the appropriate rheumatic fever or heart disease code instead.
Coding tip
Confirm both the chorea diagnosis and the absence of cardiac involvement in the provider note before assigning I02.9.