I82.210

Billable

Acute embolism and thrombosis of superior vena cava

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 267 — Vascular Disease

0.356

V24HCC 108 — Vascular Disease

0.297

ESRDHCC 108 — Vascular Disease

0.000

RxHCCHCC 215 — Pulmonary Embolism and Other Vascular Disease

0.000

What This Code Means

A sudden blood clot that forms in the superior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood from the upper body to the heart.

Coding Tips

•Verify acute onset and confirm superior vena cava involvement rather than inferior vena cava
•Document any associated conditions like malignancy, central lines, or hypercoagulable states

Clinical Significance

Acute superior vena cava thrombosis is a medical emergency that can cause superior vena cava syndrome with facial swelling, dyspnea, and upper extremity edema. It is frequently associated with central venous catheters, pacemaker leads, or thoracic malignancies, indicating high medical complexity. Capturing this diagnosis is critical for risk adjustment as these patients require urgent intervention and ongoing vascular monitoring.

Documentation Requirements

✓Clinical diagnosis of venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis clearly documented by the treating provider
✓Diagnostic confirmation via duplex ultrasonography, CT venography, MR venography, or venography with imaging findings described
✓Current treatment plan including anticoagulation regimen with specific medication, dose, and duration
✓Documentation of acute onset with date of symptom onset or diagnosis establishing the acute nature
✓Documentation of any associated central venous devices, malignancy, or precipitating factors
✓Assessment of superior vena cava syndrome symptoms (facial/upper extremity edema, dyspnea, venous distension)

Commonly Confused Codes

I82.220/I82.221 — Inferior vena cava thrombosis; involves the IVC returning blood from the lower body, not the SVC I87.1 — Compression of vein; use for external compression rather than intrinsic thrombosis I82.290/I82.291 — Thrombosis of other thoracic veins; use for thoracic veins other than the SVC I82.0 — Budd-Chiari syndrome; involves hepatic veins specifically, not the SVC I82.211 — Chronic SVC thrombosis; verify acute vs. chronic status carefully

Code Hierarchy

└I82Other venous embolism and thrombosis └I82.2Embolism and thrombosis of vena cava and other thoracic veins └I82.21Embolism and thrombosis of superior vena cava └I82.210Acute embolism and thrombosis of superior vena cava

└I82.210Acute embolism and thrombosis of superior vena cava