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ICD-10 Coding for Peripheral Vascular Disease Unspecified(I73.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Peripheral Vascular Disease Unspecified. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

PVDPeripheral Angiopathy NOSIntermittent Claudication

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Peripheral Vascular Disease Unspecified

I73.9Primary Range

Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified

Used when documentation lacks specificity regarding the type of peripheral vascular disease.

Diseases of arteries, arterioles, and capillaries

Includes specific conditions like atherosclerosis which may be related to PVD.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with circulatory complications

Used when diabetes is documented as a causal factor for PVD.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for peripheral vascular disease unspecified

Essential facts and insights about Peripheral Vascular Disease Unspecified

The ICD-10 code for peripheral vascular disease unspecified is I73.9, used when documentation lacks specificity.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for peripheral vascular disease unspecified

Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • ABI ≤ 0.90 indicates PAD.

coding Criteria

  • Use I73.9 when no specific type of PVD is documented.

documentation Criteria

  • Document symptoms like claudication and any related conditions such as diabetes or ulcers.

Applicable To

  • Intermittent claudication
  • Peripheral angiopathy NOS

Excludes

  • Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities (I70.2-)
  • Diabetic peripheral angiopathy (E11.51)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ABI ≤ 0.90
  • Doppler ultrasound showing >50% stenosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • May lead to under-coding if more specific conditions like atherosclerosis are present but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the presence of ulcers or diabetes if applicable to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

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

L97.-
Use when ulcers are present, specifying site and depth.

Differential Codes

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

Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities

I70.2-
Use when atherosclerosis is documented with symptoms like claudication or ulcers.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy

E11.51
Use when diabetes is documented as a causal factor for PVD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Peripheral Vascular Disease Unspecified to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I73.9.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for diabetes-related complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Always check for diabetes in patients with PVD., Document diabetes status clearly in the medical record.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific conditions like atherosclerosis or diabetes to use appropriate codes.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes when more specific codes apply.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of all related conditions 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 Peripheral Vascular Disease Unspecified, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Peripheral Vascular Disease Unspecified

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Peripheral Vascular Disease Unspecified. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary Care Visit for PVD

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • ABI results
  • Presence of ulcers or diabetes

Example Documentation

Patient presents with bilateral lower extremity claudication, ABI 0.60. No ulcers or gangrene. Plan: Initiate cilostazol.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
PVD, follow up in 6 months.
Good Documentation Example
PVD with bilateral calf claudication (ABI 0.70). No ulcers. Plan: Supervised exercise therapy, repeat ABI in 3 months.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, diagnostic results, and a clear treatment plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Peripheral Vascular Disease Unspecified? Ask your questions below.

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