Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Arteriosclerosis(I70.21, E11.51)

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

Also known as:

AtherosclerosisHardening of the arteries

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Arteriosclerosis

I70-I79Primary Range

Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries

This range includes codes for arteriosclerosis and related conditions affecting the arteries.

Diabetes mellitus

Includes codes for diabetes with peripheral angiopathy, often linked with arteriosclerosis.

Chronic ischemic heart disease

Includes codes for coronary artery disease, which can be a manifestation of arteriosclerosis.

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 documentation specifies atherosclerosis with claudication in native arteries.
  • Ankle-brachial index (ABI) ≤0.9
  • Angiogram showing ≥50% stenosis
E11.51Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy without gangreneUse when diabetes is documented with peripheral angiopathy.
  • HbA1c >6.5%
  • Doppler evidence of arterial insufficiency

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 arteriosclerosis

Essential facts and insights about Arteriosclerosis

The ICD-10 code for arteriosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with intermittent claudication is I70.21.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for arteriosclerosis

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

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Document laterality and claudication

Applicable To

  • Peripheral artery disease with claudication

Excludes

  • Atherosclerosis of bypass grafts

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ankle-brachial index (ABI) ≤0.9
  • Angiogram showing ≥50% stenosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if laterality is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and presence of claudication.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long term (current) use of oral hypoglycemic drugs

Z79.84
Use to indicate statin use in patients with arteriosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis of native arteries of right leg with ulceration

I70.233
Use to specify location and presence of ulceration.

Differential Codes

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

Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified

I73.9
Use I70.21 for specified atherosclerosis with claudication.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene

E11.52
Use E11.52 if gangrene is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Arteriosclerosis 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 coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation of diabetes complications, Use templates to guide documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records

Mitigation Strategy

Use E11.51 with I70 codes for specificity

Impact

Use of unspecified codes can lead to audits

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific code selection

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

Documentation Templates for Arteriosclerosis

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

Diabetic patient with PAD

Specialty: Endocrinology

Required Elements

  • Type of diabetes
  • Presence of peripheral angiopathy
  • ABI results
  • Presence of ulcers or gangrene

Example Documentation

Type 2 diabetes with peripheral arteriosclerosis of bilateral lower extremities with intermittent claudication, ABI 0.6.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
PAD in diabetic patient
Good Documentation Example
Type 2 diabetes with peripheral arteriosclerosis of bilateral lower extremities with intermittent claudication, ABI 0.6
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the condition, laterality, and diagnostic results.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more