ICD-10 Code I50 – Heart Failure (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I50 – Heart failure
What it is
I50 identifies heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively enough to meet the body’s needs. It may be acute, chronic, or both, depending on documentation.
Clinical signs
Common findings include shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid retention, and reduced exercise tolerance. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the specific type and severity of heart failure.
When to use this code
Use I50 when the provider documents heart failure without a more specific subtype, or when the record supports a general diagnosis. Apply the most specific code available if systolic, diastolic, combined, or other specified heart failure is documented.
Use the code only when heart failure is confirmed in the note, discharge summary, or problem list. Check documentation if the record mentions edema, dyspnea, or cardiomyopathy without a clear heart failure diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use I50 for isolated symptoms such as dyspnea or edema without documented heart failure. Do not use it when a more specific ICD-10-CM heart failure code is supported.
Coding tip
Always code the highest level of specificity documented, and verify whether the heart failure is acute, chronic, or acute on chronic.