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ICD-10 Coding for Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities(I83.00, I83.11, I83.813)

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

Also known as:

Leg Varicose VeinsLower Limb Varicosities

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities

I83.00-I83.93Primary Range

Varicose veins of lower extremities with complications

This range covers varicose veins with various complications such as ulcers, inflammation, and pain.

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb

Used to specify the presence of ulcers associated with varicose veins.

Cellulitis of lower limb

Used when cellulitis is present with varicose veins.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I83.00Varicose veins of lower extremities with ulcerUse when varicose veins are accompanied by an ulcer.
  • Ulcer location and laterality must be documented
  • Duplex ultrasound confirming venous reflux
I83.11Varicose veins of right lower extremity with inflammationUse when inflammation is present in the right leg.
  • Documentation of inflammation signs like erythema and tenderness
  • Duplex ultrasound confirming venous reflux
I83.813Varicose veins of bilateral lower extremities with painUse when pain is present in both legs due to varicose veins.
  • Pain must be explicitly linked to varicose veins
  • Duplex ultrasound confirming bilateral venous reflux

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 of lower extremity

Essential facts and insights about Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities

The ICD-10 code for varicose veins of the lower extremity is I83.00 when accompanied by an ulcer.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for varicose veins of lower extremity

Varicose veins of lower extremities with ulcer
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ulcer with varicose veins

Applicable To

  • Varicose veins with ulceration

Excludes

  • Varicose veins without ulcer or inflammation

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Ulcer location and laterality must be documented
  • Duplex ultrasound confirming venous reflux

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation of ulcer characteristics and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb

L97.-
Use to specify the location and severity of the ulcer.

Cellulitis of lower limb

L03.11-
Use if cellulitis is present with inflammation.

Differential Codes

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

Varicose veins of lower extremities with inflammation

I83.10
Use when inflammation is present without ulcer.

Varicose veins of lower extremities with ulcer

I83.00
Use when ulcer is present instead of inflammation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I83.00.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of disease severity., Regulatory: Non-compliance with payer requirements., Financial: Potential denial of claims for procedures.

Mitigation Strategy

Incorporate CEAP classification in all relevant documentation, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific laterality of the varicose veins.

Impact

Coding without specifying the affected side increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific laterality.

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

Documentation Templates for Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities

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

Varicose veins with inflammation

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

Required Elements

  • Pain characteristics
  • Inflammation signs
  • Duplex ultrasound findings
  • CEAP classification

Example Documentation

Patient presents with throbbing pain in the right leg. Exam reveals erythema and tenderness along the GSV. Duplex confirms reflux.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has varicose veins.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has varicose veins of the right leg with erythema and tenderness. Duplex shows GSV reflux.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the location, symptoms, and diagnostic findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Varicose Veins of Lower Extremities? Ask your questions below.

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