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ICD-10 Coding for Aortic Atherosclerosis(I70.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Aortic Atherosclerosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Atherosclerosis of the AortaAortic Arteriosclerosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Aortic Atherosclerosis

I70.0-I70.9Primary Range

Atherosclerosis

This range includes codes for atherosclerosis affecting different parts of the body, with I70.0 specifically for the aorta.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for aortic atherosclerosis

Essential facts and insights about Aortic Atherosclerosis

The ICD-10 code for aortic atherosclerosis is I70.0, covering atherosclerosis of the aorta.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for aortic atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis of aorta
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed aortic atherosclerosis via imaging.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of plaque and stenosis severity.

Applicable To

  • Atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta
  • Atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta

Excludes

  • Coronary atherosclerosis (I25.1-)
  • Cerebral atherosclerosis (I67.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing ≥50% aortic stenosis
  • Presence of calcified or noncalcified plaque

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding unspecified PVD as I70.0

Coding Notes

  • Ensure detailed documentation specifying the aortic segment and plaque characteristics.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Tobacco use

Z72.0
Use when patient is a current smoker.

Hypertension

I10
Use when hypertension is documented as a comorbidity.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Atherosclerotic heart disease

I25.1-
Use when atherosclerosis affects coronary arteries.

Cerebral atherosclerosis

I67.2
Use when atherosclerosis affects cerebral arteries.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Aortic Atherosclerosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I70.0.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of the patient's condition., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the specific site of atherosclerosis., Use I70.0 for confirmed aortic involvement.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify if 'arteriosclerosis' is atherosclerotic (I70.0) vs. non-atherosclerotic (I77.89).

Impact

Coding I70.0 without sufficient clinical validation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging and clinical findings support the diagnosis.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Aortic Atherosclerosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Aortic Atherosclerosis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Aortic Atherosclerosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Radiology Report for Aortic Atherosclerosis

Specialty: Radiology

Required Elements

  • Aortic segment affected
  • Plaque characteristics
  • Stenosis severity

Example Documentation

FINDINGS: Severe atherosclerosis of the infrarenal abdominal aorta with calcified plaque. Maximum stenosis: 60%.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Aortic disease noted.
Good Documentation Example
Severe atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta with 70% luminal stenosis; noncalcified plaque on CTA.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the location and severity of the atherosclerosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Aortic Atherosclerosis? Ask your questions below.

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