Endocarditis, valve unspecified (I38) ICD-10-CM
The I38 code range covers endocarditis, valve unspecified with 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 1 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- endocarditis (chronic) NOS
- valvular incompetence NOS
- valvular insufficiency NOS
- valvular regurgitation NOS
- valvular stenosis NOS
- valvulitis (chronic) NOS
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.
Codes in the I38 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- I38 Endocarditis, valve unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the I38 range.
Endocarditis
Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (ENDOCARDIUM), the continuous membrane lining the four chambers and HEART VALVES. It is often caused by microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and rickettsiae. Left untreated, endocarditis can damage heart valves and become life-threatening.
Endocarditis, Bacterial
Inflammation of the ENDOCARDIUM caused by BACTERIA that entered the bloodstream. The strains of bacteria vary with predisposing factors, such as CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS; HEART VALVE DISEASES; HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS IMPLANTATION; or intravenous drug use.
Endocarditis, Non-Infective
Formation of a non-infectious THROMBUS, referred to as vegetation, on previously undamaged ENDOCARDIUM. It usually occurs as a complication of connective-tissue diseases and cancers because of the associated hypercoagulable state (see THROMBOPHILIA).
Endocarditis, Subacute Bacterial
ENDOCARDIUM infection that is usually caused by STREPTOCOCCUS. Subacute infective endocarditis evolves over weeks and months with modest toxicity and rare metastatic infection.
Eosinophils
Granular leukocytes with a nucleus that usually has two lobes connected by a slender thread of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing coarse, round granules that are uniform in size and stainable by eosin.
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
A heterogeneous group of disorders with the common feature of prolonged eosinophilia of unknown cause and associated organ system dysfunction, including the heart, central nervous system, kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. There is a massive increase in the number of EOSINOPHILS in the blood, mimicking leukemia, and extensive eosinophilic infiltration of the various organs.
Rat-Bite Fever
A syndrome characterized by recurring fever, rash, and arthralgias occurring days to weeks after a rat bite. The causative agents are either Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus.
About the I38 Code Range
The ICD-10 code I38 is used to classify endocarditis, valve unspecified, which refers to inflammation or infection of a heart valve when the exact valve is not specified. This code covers various forms of valve-related heart conditions including valve stenosis, regurgitation, and valvular heart disease complications.
This code encompasses a wide range of conditions often referred to by synonyms such as vegetative endocarditis without infection, culture-negative endocarditis, and nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, helping coders accurately document cases where the specific valve involved is unclear or unspecified. It also includes issues like atrioventricular valve disorders, valvular sclerosis, thrombosis, and complications from heart valve procedures. The ICD-10 code for endocarditis valve unspecified aids in coding complex diagnoses involving valvular inflammation, heart valve regurgitation, stenosis, or related heart failure, facilitating precise medical record-keeping and treatment planning when valve details are not pinpointed.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the I38 range?
Of the 1 codes in this range, 1 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the I38 range classify?
The range classifies endocarditis, valve unspecified. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
