Congenital malformations of cardiac chambers and connections (Q20)
The ICD-10 code Q20 covers congenital malformations of the heart’s chambers and their connections, identifying various structural heart defects present from birth. These codes help specify unique cardiac anomalies such as the common arterial trunk (Q20.0) or double outlet right ventricle (Q20.1), critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
This group includes detailed codes for conditions like common arterial trunk (Q20.0), also known as truncus arteriosus, where a single arterial trunk arises from the heart instead of separate pulmonary artery and aorta. The double outlet right ventricle (Q20.1) describes a heart in which both great arteries arise from the right ventricle. The section further details less common anomalies such as discordant ventriculoarterial connection (Q20.3) and isomerism of atrial appendages (Q20.6). For example, medical coders can link synonyms like “truncus arteriosus” or “Ebstein’s anomaly” with their correct ICD-10 designation. The Q20.9 code is used when the specific congenital cardiac malformation is not otherwise specified, helping capture cases lacking detailed diagnosis. Utilizing the ICD-10 code for congenital malformations of cardiac chambers and connections enables precise documentation of complex congenital heart diseases.
Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
Congenital malformations of the circulatory system (Q20-Q28)
Q20 Congenital malformations of cardiac chambers and connections
- Q20.0 Common arterial trunk
- Q20.1 Double outlet right ventricle
- Q20.2 Double outlet left ventricle
- Q20.3 Discordant ventriculoarterial connection
- Q20.4 Double inlet ventricle
- Q20.5 Discordant atrioventricular connection
- Q20.6 Isomerism of atrial appendages
- Q20.8 Other congenital malformations of cardiac chambers and connections
- Q20.9 Congenital malformation of cardiac chambers and connections, unspecified
Congenital malformations of cardiac chambers and connections (Q20)
Instructional Notations
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Double Outlet Right Ventricle
Incomplete transposition of the great vessels in which both the AORTA and the PULMONARY ARTERY arise from the RIGHT VENTRICLE. The only outlet of the LEFT VENTRICLE is a large ventricular septal defect (VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECTS or VSD). The various subtypes are classified by the location of the septal defect, such as subaortic, subpulmonary, or noncommitted.
