ICD-10 Code I09.81 – Rheumatic heart failure (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I09.81 – Rheumatic heart failure
What it is
I09.81 identifies heart failure that occurs as a consequence of rheumatic heart disease. Use it when documentation links cardiac failure to chronic rheumatic valve damage.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include dyspnea, fatigue, edema, or signs of valvular disease with congestive heart failure.
When to use this code
Use I09.81 when the record clearly states rheumatic heart failure or heart failure due to rheumatic heart disease. It should support coding of the underlying rheumatic cardiac condition when documented. If the note only says heart failure without a rheumatic cause, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonrheumatic heart failure or isolated rheumatic fever without heart failure. If the provider does not connect the failure to rheumatic heart disease, choose a different code.
Coding tip
Verify that the provider documents the rheumatic etiology and the heart failure relationship before assigning I09.81.