Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Practice Test

What diagnosis code is used for a history of myocardial infarction?

1. 412

2. 410.71

3. 410.00

4. 410.11

The correct answer is: 412

The diagnosis code used for a history of myocardial infarction is indicated by the code for "old myocardial infarction," which is 412. This code denotes that the patient has a prior history of heart attack but is not experiencing one at the time of the visit. The designation helps healthcare providers and insurance companies understand that the patient has a significant past medical history that may require continued monitoring and affects current healthcare decisions. The other codes listed pertain to acute myocardial infarction events. For instance, the codes starting with 410 describe various types of current myocardial infarction, with specific indications of its STEMI or NSTEMI status and localization, which would not be appropriate for indicating merely a history of the condition. Thus, 412 is specifically tailored for documenting a past event rather than an ongoing acute issue, making it the correct choice for the diagnosis of a history of myocardial infarction.