Patent ductus arteriosus

This code identifies a congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery in a fetus, fails to close shortly after birth. This persistent opening allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the aorta back into the pulmonary artery, increasing blood flow to the lungs. The severity depends on the size of the opening and the pressure difference between the two vessels.

Assign this code when documentation confirms the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic. This includes cases identified prenatally, at birth, or later in infancy/childhood. Supporting documentation typically includes echocardiogram reports, cardiology consultation notes, and physician's diagnostic statements.

• Do not use this code for a physiologically normal ductus arteriosus that closes within the first few days of life.
• Consider additional codes for associated cardiac anomalies or complications such as heart failure.
• If the PDA is surgically or percutaneously closed, ensure appropriate procedure codes are also reported.