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ICD-10 Coding for Atherosclerosis of the Aorta(I70.0)

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

Also known as:

Aortic AtherosclerosisAtherosclerotic Disease of the Aortaaortic arteriosclerosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Atherosclerosis of the Aorta

I70-I79Primary Range

Diseases of arteries, arterioles, and capillaries

This range includes codes for atherosclerosis affecting various arteries, including the aorta.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for atherosclerosis of the aorta

Essential facts and insights about Atherosclerosis of the Aorta

The ICD-10 code for atherosclerosis of the aorta is I70.0, requiring specific documentation of the affected aortic segment and imaging confirmation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for atherosclerosis of the aorta

Atherosclerosis of aorta
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Plaque confirmed by imaging in the aorta

documentation Criteria

  • Specific aortic segment and plaque characteristics documented

Applicable To

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

Excludes

  • Atherosclerosis of coronary arteries (I25.10)
  • Atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries (I73.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging findings from CT, MRI, or ultrasound showing plaque
  • LDL levels over 130 mg/dL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes when more specific ones are available

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact part of the aorta affected.

Ancillary Codes

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

Environmental tobacco exposure

Z77.22
Use when tobacco exposure contributes to disease progression.

Tobacco dependence history

Z87.891
Use when there is a history of tobacco use.

Differential Codes

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

Atherosclerotic heart disease without angina

I25.10
Use if coronary arteries are primarily affected.

Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified

I73.9
Use if aortic involvement is unclear.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Atherosclerosis of the Aorta 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 inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train providers on documentation specificity, Implement documentation templates

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Require providers to specify aortic involvement.

Impact

Lack of specificity in documenting aortic atherosclerosis.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and training to ensure specific documentation.

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 Atherosclerosis of the Aorta, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Atherosclerosis of the Aorta

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

Aortic Atherosclerosis in a Cardiology Setting

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Location of aortic plaque
  • Imaging results
  • Risk factors
  • Symptoms

Example Documentation

Aortic Assessment: Location: Descending thoracic aorta; Plaque characteristics: Calcific, non-obstructive; Symptoms: None; Imaging: CT angiography shows 3.8 cm plaque; Risk factors: Hypertension, LDL 145 mg/dL, active smoker.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Aortic plaque noted.
Good Documentation Example
Severe calcific atherosclerosis of the descending thoracic aorta, confirmed by CT angiography.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location and imaging confirmation, providing necessary detail for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Atherosclerosis of the Aorta? Ask your questions below.

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