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ICD-10 Coding for Arterial Insufficiency(I70.21, I70.23)

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

Also known as:

Peripheral Arterial DiseasePeripheral Vascular DiseaseAtherosclerosis of the Extremities

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Arterial Insufficiency

I70.2-I70.9Primary Range

Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities

This range covers the primary codes for atherosclerosis affecting peripheral arteries, including specific conditions like claudication and ulceration.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with circulatory complications

Used when diabetes is present with peripheral arterial disease, affecting coding and reimbursement.

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified

Used for documenting ulcers associated with arterial insufficiency.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I70.21Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with intermittent claudicationUse when patient presents with exertion-induced leg pain due to atherosclerosis.
  • Documentation of exertion-induced pain
  • ABI ≤0.90
I70.23Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with ulcerationUse when atherosclerosis causes ulceration in the extremities.
  • Documented non-healing ulcer
  • ABI ≤0.60

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 arterial insufficiency

Essential facts and insights about Arterial Insufficiency

The ICD-10 code for arterial insufficiency primarily falls under I70.2-, covering atherosclerosis of extremities. Specific codes vary based on clinical presentation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for arterial insufficiency

Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with intermittent claudication
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of claudication symptoms and atherosclerosis

Applicable To

  • Intermittent claudication due to atherosclerosis

Excludes

  • Atherosclerosis of bypass grafts

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of exertion-induced pain
  • ABI ≤0.90

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not clearly documented as claudication.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies claudication and atherosclerosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy without gangrene

E11.51
Use when diabetes is linked to PAD.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene

E11.52
Use if gangrene is present with diabetes.

Differential Codes

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

Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified

I73.9
Use I73.9 only if atherosclerosis is not confirmed.

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb

L97.-
Use L97.- for ulcer site specification.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Arterial Insufficiency to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I70.21.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and test results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E11.51 with I70.2- codes for specificity.

Impact

Failure to link diabetes with PAD can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly links diabetes and PAD.

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

Documentation Templates for Arterial Insufficiency

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

Diabetic patient with PAD and ulceration

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

Required Elements

  • Diabetes status
  • Ulcer site and severity
  • ABI results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with type 2 diabetes and chronic ulceration on the left heel due to atherosclerosis. ABI is 0.4.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has diabetes and foot ulcer.
Good Documentation Example
Type 2 DM with chronic left heel ulceration due to atherosclerosis, ABI 0.4.
Explanation
The good example specifies the ulcer site, diabetes status, and ABI, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Arterial Insufficiency? Ask your questions below.

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