ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code I46.9: Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents cardiac arrest, cause unspecified in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
9Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99)
block
I30-I5AOther forms of heart disease
category
I46Cardiac arrest
currentI46
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
CardiologistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 93306high
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, TRANSTHORACIC, REAL-TIME WITH IMAGE DOCUMENTATION (2D), INCLUDES M-MODE RECORDING, WHEN PERFORMED, COMPLETE, WITH SPECTRAL DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, AND WITH COLOR FLOW DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 93307high
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, TRANSTHORACIC, REAL-TIME WITH IMAGE DOCUMENTATION (2D), INCLUDES M-MODE RECORDING, WHEN PERFORMED, COMPLETE, WITHOUT SPECTRAL OR COLOR DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 93350high
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, TRANSTHORACIC, REAL-TIME WITH IMAGE DOCUMENTATION (2D), INCLUDES M-MODE RECORDING, WHEN PERFORMED, DURING REST AND CARDIOVASCULAR STRESS TEST USING TREADMILL, BICYCLE EXERCISE AND/OR PHARMACOLOGICALLY INDUCED STRESS, WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT;
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 93351high
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, TRANSTHORACIC, REAL-TIME WITH IMAGE DOCUMENTATION (2D), INCLUDES M-MODE RECORDING, WHEN PERFORMED, DURING REST AND CARDIOVASCULAR STRESS TEST USING TREADMILL, BICYCLE EXERCISE AND/OR PHARMACOLOGICALLY INDUCED STRESS, WITH INTERPRETATION AND REPORT; INCLUDING PERFORMANCE OF CONTINUOUS ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC MONITORING, WITH SUPERVISION BY A PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 93308high
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, TRANSTHORACIC, REAL-TIME WITH IMAGE DOCUMENTATION (2D), INCLUDES M-MODE RECORDING, WHEN PERFORMED, FOLLOW-UP OR LIMITED STUDY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 93325high
DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY COLOR FLOW VELOCITY MAPPING (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODES FOR ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 397829000high
Asystole
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 703162001high
Bradycardic cardiac arrest
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 410429000high
Cardiac arrest
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 424390001high
Cardiac arrest caused by electrocution
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 423191000high
Cardiac arrest due to cardiac disorder
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 424571008high
Cardiac arrest due to drowning
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
I46.9
Common synonyms
Cardiac arrest, cause unspecifiedCardiac arrest, cause
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.