ICD-10 Code I09.9 – Rheumatic heart disease, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I09.9 – Rheumatic heart disease, unspecified
What it is
I09.9 identifies rheumatic heart disease when the record does not specify the exact valve or cardiac complication. Use it for chronic heart damage attributed to prior rheumatic fever when details are limited.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a history of rheumatic fever plus evidence of valvular heart disease, such as a murmur or documented valve dysfunction. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use I09.9 when the provider documents rheumatic heart disease but does not name the involved valve or specify the type of rheumatic cardiac involvement. It is appropriate for unspecified chronic rheumatic cardiac disease in outpatient, inpatient, or problem-list documentation. If the chart later identifies a specific valve lesion, code that more specific diagnosis instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute rheumatic fever without heart involvement, or for nonrheumatic valvular disorders. Check documentation if the record names a specific rheumatic valve lesion.
Coding tip
Query for the affected valve and whether the condition is active or chronic before defaulting to I09.9.