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ICD-10 Coding for Claudication(I70.213, E11.51)

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

Also known as:

Intermittent ClaudicationVascular Claudication

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Claudication

I70.2-I70.9Primary Range

Atherosclerosis of arteries

This range includes codes for atherosclerosis of extremities, which is a common cause of claudication.

Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified

Used when claudication is present without specific documentation of atherosclerosis.

Type 2 diabetes with diabetic peripheral angiopathy

Relevant when diabetes is present with peripheral angiopathy contributing to claudication.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I70.213Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with intermittent claudication, bilateral legsUse when atherosclerosis is documented with claudication symptoms in bilateral legs.
  • Ankle-brachial index ≤0.9
  • Doppler ultrasound showing >50% stenosis
E11.51Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathyUse when diabetes is present and contributes to peripheral vascular issues.
  • Diagnosis of diabetes with documented peripheral angiopathy

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 claudication

Essential facts and insights about Claudication

The ICD-10 code for claudication due to atherosclerosis is I70.213 for bilateral legs.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for claudication

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented atherosclerosis with claudication symptoms.

coding Criteria

  • Use I70.213 for bilateral leg involvement.

Applicable To

  • Atherosclerosis with claudication

Excludes

  • Neurogenic claudication

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ankle-brachial index ≤0.9
  • Doppler ultrasound showing >50% stenosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using I73.9 when atherosclerosis is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Non-pressure ulcers

L97.-
Use when ulcers are present alongside atherosclerosis.

Differential Codes

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

Muscle pain (non-ischemic)

M79.67-
Muscle pain not related to vascular issues.

Neurogenic claudication (spinal stenosis)

G57.5-
Pain persists >10 mins and is relieved by changing posture.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: Potential for coding audits., Financial: Delayed or denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Could result in coding audits., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use I70.2- series codes with appropriate laterality.

Impact

Using unspecified codes like I73.9 without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of atherosclerosis and symptoms.

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

Documentation Templates for Claudication

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

Atherosclerosis with claudication

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Site and laterality of atherosclerosis
  • Symptoms and severity of claudication
  • Diagnostic test results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with atherosclerosis of bilateral femoral arteries causing intermittent claudication at 200 meters, relieved by 3-minute rest.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has leg pain.
Good Documentation Example
Atherosclerosis of bilateral femoral arteries causing intermittent claudication after 100 meters walking, relieved by 3-minute rest.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the condition and symptoms, allowing for accurate coding.

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

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