The second week of February is observed as “Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (CHD)” countrywide. The 2018 week-long celebration to be observed from 7^th -14^th February aims to spread awareness about the significant effects of congenital heart disease (CHD) – which is the most common birth defect and the most common cause of infant death from birth defects. CHDs can vary from mild (such as a small hole in the heart) to severe (such as missing or poorly formed parts of the heart). Most cases of CHD are diagnosed before or at birth whereas some are not until weeks, months, or even years later. Most complex heart conditions present at birth require lifelong monitoring and specialized care and treatment by a specialist (even if their ailments have been completely repaired). Cardiologists play a crucial role in diagnosing and spreading awareness about CHD. Besides providing appropriate treatment, healthcare providers need to ensure that medical coding for this condition is appropriately done on the medical claims. Cardiologists/medical coding companies should make sure that the codes used in the medical claims are accurate.

CHD is an anomaly of the heart (that develops during birth) involving one or more portions of the heart to develop abnormally. It can occur in the heart’s chambers, electrical system, blood vessels and valves. Reports suggest that CHD affects approximately 1 percent of newborns or about more than 40,000 births per year in the United States. The associated symptoms include rapid heartbeat, a blue tinge to the skin, fast breathing, poor blood circulation and swelling in the legs, abdomen or areas around the eyes.

The 2018 CHD Awareness week is a strong platform to create public awareness about the debilitating and long-term effects of congenital heart defects and educate people about the various screening methods and treatment modalities available for treating heart defects present at birth. Newborn screening for critical congenital heart defects (critical CHDs) may help identify newborns with these conditions and allow for timely care and treatment. The treatment options for CHD may differ and depend on the type and severity of the condition. Screening for critical congenital heart disease (CHD) for newborns should be done using pulse-oximetry after 24 hours of age or shortly before discharge (if the baby is less than 24 hours of age).

Cardiologists providing specific treatments are reimbursed for the services they provide to the patients. The diagnosis, screening tests and other procedures must be carefully documented using the correct medical codes. Medical billing and coding services provided by experienced companies can assist physicians in using the correct codes for their medical billing process.

Physicians use the following CPT codes for “Transcatheter repair of congenital heart defects” –

CPT Codes

• 93580 – Percutaneous transcatheter closure of congenital interatrial communication (i.e., Fontan fenestration, atrial septal defect) with implant
• 93581 – Percutaneous transcatheter closure of a congenital ventricular septal defect with implant
• 93582 – Percutaneous transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week celebration promotes awareness and education about this birth disorder and provides an opportunity to the parents and families to share their experiences and knowledge to make people more aware about how this defect can affect their lives.

Join Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week celebration. Make a commitment to spread awareness about this birth disorder.

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