ICD-10 Code I42.7 – Cardiomyopathy due to drug and external agent (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I42.7 – Cardiomyopathy due to drug and external agent
What it is
I42.7 identifies cardiomyopathy caused by a drug or other external agent. Use it when documentation links the heart muscle disorder directly to a medication, toxin, or similar outside exposure.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, records describe reduced cardiac function, heart failure symptoms, or imaging findings consistent with cardiomyopathy after exposure to a suspected agent.
When to use this code
Use I42.7 when the provider documents cardiomyopathy as drug-induced or due to an external agent. It fits cases where the causal relationship is stated clearly in the assessment, discharge summary, or problem list.
Code it when the record identifies the responsible exposure and the cardiomyopathy is not better classified elsewhere. Check documentation if the cause is uncertain or if the condition is only suspected.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cardiomyopathy without a documented external cause. Also avoid it when the heart disease is attributed to another specific etiology that has its own code.
Coding tip
Query the provider if the note mentions a drug, toxin, or exposure but does not explicitly connect it to the cardiomyopathy.