Diseases of the Circulatory System
ICD-10 Code: I48.0
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation that terminates spontaneously or with intervention within 7 days of onset.
Clinical Information
Paroxysmal AFib: self-terminating episodes lasting <7 days (usually <48 hours). Different from persistent (>7 days) or permanent AFib. Stroke risk similar to other AFib types; anticoagulation still needed if CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2.
Coding Guidelines
- 1Use when 'paroxysmal AFib' documented or AFib episodes resolve spontaneously
- 2Distinguished from persistent (I48.1) and permanent (I48.21)
- 3Anticoagulation decisions same as other AFib
Common Uses
- Cardiology for intermittent AFib
- EP study for AFib ablation consideration
Related ICD-10 Codes
I48.1Persistent atrial fibrillation
I48.91Unspecified atrial fibrillation
Documentation Requirements
- Document 'paroxysmal atrial fibrillation'
- Episode frequency/duration
- Anticoagulation status
Real-World Coding Examples
58-year-old with paroxysmal AFib, episodes 2-3x/month lasting hours, self-terminate. On apixaban. Diagnosis: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (I48.0), Long-term anticoagulation (Z79.01)
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