Cardiomegaly

This code represents an enlarged heart, which is a non-specific finding indicating an underlying cardiac condition. Cardiomegaly is typically identified through imaging studies such as chest X-rays, echocardiograms, or CT scans, showing an increase in the heart's overall size. It is a sign, not a definitive diagnosis of a specific heart disease.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "cardiomegaly" without further specification of the underlying cause. It is appropriate when the physician identifies an enlarged heart but has not yet determined or documented the specific etiology, such as hypertensive heart disease or cardiomyopathy. This code is often used as a provisional diagnosis or as a finding that prompts further investigation.

• Always attempt to code the underlying cause of cardiomegaly if known and documented (e.g., congestive heart failure, hypertension, valvular disease).
• This code is a symptom/sign code; it should be sequenced after the definitive diagnosis if one is established.
• Do not use this code if a more specific diagnosis, such as "hypertensive heart disease with cardiomegaly," is documented.