ICD-10 Code I49.1 – Atrial premature depolarization (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I49.1 – Atrial premature depolarization
What it is
I49.1 identifies premature electrical impulses that start in the atria and occur earlier than the normal heartbeat. It is used when the rhythm disturbance is documented as atrial premature depolarization or premature atrial beats.
Clinical signs
Patients may have palpitations, skipped beats, or an irregular pulse. ECG documentation typically shows premature atrial complexes with an early P wave and a brief pause afterward; clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use I49.1 when the provider documents atrial premature depolarization, premature atrial contractions, or premature atrial beats as the diagnosis being treated or evaluated. Code it when the finding is clinically relevant and not just an incidental rhythm note. Check documentation if the record also describes a broader arrhythmia.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for ventricular premature beats or other arrhythmias that originate outside the atria. If the documentation only states an unspecified irregular rhythm, check documentation before assigning I49.1.
Coding tip
Look for explicit provider wording or ECG confirmation that the premature beats are atrial before coding I49.1.