Q21.1
Non-Billable

Atrial septal defect

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Atrial septal defect?

ICD-10-CM Q21.1 is the diagnosis code for Atrial septal defect. This code falls under the section "Congenital malformations of the circulatory system" within Chapter 17 — Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-QA0). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

â„šī¸ Excludes2

Coding Guidelines for Q21.1

â„šī¸ Type 2 Excludes (Code separately if applicable)

The following conditions are not included in Q21.1. If the patient has both, code each condition separately:

  • ostium primum atrial septal defect (type I) (Q21.20)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where Q21.1 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 8 entries
Q21.10Atrial septal defect, unspecifiedBillableQ21.11Secundum atrial septal defectBillableQ21.12Patent foramen ovaleBillableQ21.13Coronary sinus atrial septal defectBillableQ21.14Superior sinus venosus atrial septal defectBillableQ21.15Inferior sinus venosus atrial septal defectBillableQ21.16Sinus venosus atrial septal defect, unspecifiedBillableQ21.19Other specified atrial septal defectBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Q21.1 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, Q21.1 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does Q21.1 mean?

Q21.1 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Atrial septal defect". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of Q21.1?

The parent code of Q21.1 is Q21 ("Congenital malformations of cardiac septa"). Q21.1 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is Q21.1 in?

Q21.1 is located in Section Q20-Q28 — "Congenital malformations of the circulatory system" within Chapter 17 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of Q21.1?

Q21.1 has 8 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: Q21.10, Q21.11, Q21.12, Q21.13, Q21.14 and more.

When should I use Q21.1?

Use Q21.1 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Atrial septal defect" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Atrial septal defect?

The ICD-10-CM code for Atrial septal defect is Q21.1.

Can Q21.1 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, Q21.1 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is Q21.1 in?

Q21.1 is in Chapter 17 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is Q21.1 valid for 2026?

Yes, Q21.1 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousQ21.0Ventricular septal defectNext →Q21.10Atrial septal defect, unspecified
Code Details
Q21.1
Atrial septal defect
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
17 — Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-QA0)
Q20-Q28 — Congenital malformations of the circulatory system
2026 ICD-10-CM