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ICD-10 Coding for Claudication of Both Lower Extremities(I70.213)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Claudication of Both Lower Extremities. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Intermittent ClaudicationPeripheral Artery Disease with Claudication

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Claudication of Both Lower Extremities

I70.2-I70.29Primary Range

Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities

This range includes codes for atherosclerosis affecting the arteries of the extremities, which is the primary cause of claudication in both lower extremities.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with circulatory complications

Relevant when claudication is due to diabetic peripheral angiopathy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for claudication of both lower extremities

Essential facts and insights about Claudication of Both Lower Extremities

The ICD-10 code for claudication of both lower extremities due to atherosclerosis is I70.213, requiring confirmation of atherosclerosis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for claudication of both lower extremities

Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with intermittent claudication, bilateral legs
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed atherosclerosis via imaging or ABI

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of bilateral leg involvement

Applicable To

  • Intermittent claudication due to atherosclerosis in both legs

Excludes

  • Neurogenic claudication (M48.06)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) ≤0.9
  • Imaging showing ≥50% stenosis in bilateral arteries

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use if atherosclerosis is not confirmed
  • Risk of audit if laterality is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies atherosclerosis as the cause of claudication.

Ancillary Codes

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

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified part of unspecified lower leg

L97.919
Use if ulceration is present alongside claudication.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy

E11.51
Use when claudication is due to diabetic peripheral angiopathy.

Differential Codes

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

Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified

I73.9
Use when atherosclerosis is not confirmed as the cause of claudication.

Pain in right lower leg

M79.671
Use for neurogenic claudication, typically associated with spinal stenosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Claudication of Both Lower Extremities to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I70.213.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of specifying atherosclerosis, Implement EHR prompts for detailed documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on patient condition and treatment.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes evidence of atherosclerosis.

Impact

Failure to document atherosclerosis as the cause of claudication can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes evidence of atherosclerosis.

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 Claudication of Both Lower Extremities, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Claudication of Both Lower Extremities

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Claudication of Both Lower Extremities. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Vascular Surgery H&P

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

Required Elements

  • History of Present Illness
  • Imaging Review
  • Assessment

Example Documentation

**History of Present Illness:** 72M with 18-month history of progressive bilateral calf pain: Distance: 150 feet on flat surface Relief: Complete within 4 minutes seated rest No rest pain or tissue loss **Imaging Review:** CTA lower extremities 1/15/25: Right SFA: 80% stenosis Left SFA: 75% stenosis ABI: Right 0.58, Left 0.62 **Assessment:** Atherosclerosis of native arteries of bilateral lower extremities with Rutherford Category 2 claudication

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has leg pain
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports classic claudication in both calves after 3 blocks walking, ABI 0.5 bilaterally, CTA shows 70% stenosis in bilateral SFA
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the claudication, including distance, ABI results, and imaging findings, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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