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ICD-10 Coding for Aortic Calcification(I70.0, I25.84)

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

Also known as:

Aortic AtherosclerosisAortic Plaque

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Aortic Calcification

I70-I79Primary Range

Diseases of arteries, arterioles, and capillaries

This range includes codes for atherosclerosis and related vascular conditions, including aortic calcification.

Chronic ischemic heart disease

Includes codes for coronary atherosclerosis due to calcified plaque, which can be related to aortic calcification.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I70.0Atherosclerosis of aortaUse when imaging confirms aortic calcification with atherosclerosis.
  • Non-contrast CT Agatston score ≥1,200 AU (women) / ≥2,000 AU (men)
  • Imaging evidence of calcification
I25.84Coronary atherosclerosis due to calcified plaqueUse when coronary calcification is confirmed and linked to atherosclerosis.
  • Coronary calcium score >400 AU
  • Presence of angina symptoms

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for aortic calcification

Essential facts and insights about Aortic Calcification

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for aortic calcification

Atherosclerosis of aorta
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging evidence of calcification with atherosclerosis

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of site and associated conditions

Applicable To

  • Aortic calcification

Excludes

  • Aortic aneurysm (I71.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Non-contrast CT Agatston score ≥1,200 AU (women) / ≥2,000 AU (men)
  • Imaging evidence of calcification

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with arteriosclerosis
  • Not specifying the exact location (thoracic vs. abdominal)

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the site and associated conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Hyperlipidemia

E78.5
Use if lipid-rich plaque is present.

Hypertensive disease

I10-I15
Use if hypertension contributes to the condition.

Differential Codes

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

Nonrheumatic aortic stenosis

I35.0
Use if calcification causes stenosis.

Coronary atherosclerosis due to lipid-rich plaque

I25.83
Use if lipid-rich rather than calcified plaque is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Could result in coding audits., Financial: Affects reimbursement accuracy.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the specific location (e.g., thoracic or abdominal).

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to improper DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification can result in compliance issues., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'atherosclerosis' for accurate coding.

Impact

Lack of detailed imaging reports can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all imaging findings are thoroughly documented with specific scores.

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 Calcification, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Aortic Calcification

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

Aortic Calcification with Claudication

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Imaging findings
  • Agatston score
  • Associated symptoms

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Aortic calcification present.
Good Documentation Example
Severe calcification of the abdominal aorta (Agatston score: 2,300 AU) confirmed by non-contrast CT, associated with claudication.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and associated symptoms, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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