Secondary cardiomyopathy, unspecified

This code represents a form of heart muscle disease that is not caused by an intrinsic problem with the heart itself, but rather is a consequence of another underlying systemic disease or condition. The specific cause of the secondary cardiomyopathy is not documented or is unknown. It indicates a generalized dysfunction of the myocardium.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "secondary cardiomyopathy" but does not specify the underlying etiology (e.g., alcoholic, toxic, metabolic, infectious). This code is appropriate when the physician has diagnosed secondary cardiomyopathy but further investigation into the cause is pending or inconclusive.

• Always attempt to identify and code the underlying cause of the secondary cardiomyopathy first, if known.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of secondary cardiomyopathy (e.g., alcoholic cardiomyopathy, code 425.5) is documented.
• This code is a "catch-all" for unspecified secondary causes; query the physician for greater specificity whenever possible.