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ICD-10 Coding for Varicose Vein(I83.90, I83.811)

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

Also known as:

Varicose VeinsVenous InsufficiencySpider Veins

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Varicose Vein

I83.00-I83.92Primary Range

Varicose veins of lower extremities

This range includes all codes related to varicose veins, covering various complications such as ulcers and inflammation.

Varicose veins in pregnancy

This code is used specifically for varicose veins occurring during pregnancy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I83.90Asymptomatic varicose veins of lower extremitiesUse when varicose veins are present without symptoms or complications.
  • Physical examination confirming varicosities without symptoms
I83.811Varicose veins of right lower extremity with painUse when varicose veins are present with documented pain in the right leg.
  • Patient reports pain associated with varicose veins, confirmed by physical exam

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 varicose veins

Essential facts and insights about Varicose Vein

The ICD-10 code for asymptomatic varicose veins is I83.90. For symptomatic cases, use I83.811 or I83.812 depending on laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for varicose vein

Asymptomatic varicose veins of lower extremities
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No symptoms such as pain, ulceration, or edema

Applicable To

  • Varicose veins without complications

Excludes

  • Varicose veins during pregnancy (O22.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical examination confirming varicosities without symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if symptoms are present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies absence of symptoms.

Ancillary Codes

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

Duplex scan of extremity veins

93970
Use to confirm venous reflux or obstruction.

Injection of foam sclerosant with ultrasound guidance

36465
Use when performing sclerotherapy with ultrasound guidance.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic venous insufficiency

I87.2
Use I87.2 when there is evidence of chronic venous insufficiency without visible varicosities.

Varicose veins of left lower extremity with pain

I83.812
Use I83.812 for left leg pain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Varicose Vein to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I83.90.

Impact

Clinical: Can lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right leg in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use comprehensive codes like 36465 instead of separate codes for guidance and injection.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of symptoms can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all symptoms and treatments.

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

Documentation Templates for Varicose Vein

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

Varicose veins with ulceration

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

Required Elements

  • Ulcer size and location
  • Pain description
  • CEAP classification

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3cm ulcer on the right medial calf, CEAP C6, with associated pain (7/10).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has varicose veins.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has 3cm ulcer on right calf, CEAP C6, with pain 7/10.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding and treatment planning.

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

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