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ICD-10 Coding for Venous Reflux(I87.2, I87.31)

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

Also known as:

Chronic Venous InsufficiencyVenous Hypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Venous Reflux

I87.2-I87.3Primary Range

Other specified and unspecified disorders of veins

This range includes codes for venous insufficiency and chronic venous hypertension, which are primary conditions associated with venous reflux.

Varicose veins of lower extremities

This range covers varicose veins, which can be associated with venous reflux when ulcers or inflammation are present.

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

This range is used to specify the severity and location of ulcers associated with venous reflux.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I87.2Venous insufficiency (chronic) (peripheral)Use when venous insufficiency is documented without ulceration or inflammation.
  • Duplex ultrasound showing reflux duration >0.5 seconds in superficial veins
I87.31Chronic venous hypertension (idiopathic) with ulcerUse when venous hypertension is documented with associated ulceration.
  • Duplex ultrasound confirming venous reflux with ulceration

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 venous reflux

Essential facts and insights about Venous Reflux

The ICD-10 code for venous reflux is I87.2, covering chronic venous insufficiency without ulceration.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for venous reflux

Venous insufficiency (chronic) (peripheral)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of venous reflux without ulceration

Applicable To

  • Chronic venous insufficiency

Excludes

  • Varicose veins of lower extremities (I83.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Duplex ultrasound showing reflux duration >0.5 seconds in superficial veins

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of undercoding if ulceration is present but not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports the absence of ulceration or inflammation.

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 to specify ulcer severity and location when present with venous insufficiency.

Differential Codes

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

Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis

I80.-
Use I80.- when there is evidence of thrombosis or inflammation of veins.

Varicose veins of lower extremities with ulcer

I83.0-
Use I83.0- when varicose veins are the primary cause of ulceration.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Venous Reflux to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I87.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed ultrasound reports, Include reflux duration and vein diameter

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality when coding venous conditions.

Impact

Reimbursement: Improper sequencing can affect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Code the most specific condition first, such as venous hypertension with ulcer before general venous insufficiency.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of ulcer characteristics can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of ulcer size, depth, and response to treatment.

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

Documentation Templates for Venous Reflux

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

Chronic venous insufficiency with ulcer

Specialty: Vascular Surgery

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Ultrasound findings
  • Ulcer characteristics
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chronic venous insufficiency and a 2cm x 1cm ulcer on the right medial malleolus. Duplex ultrasound shows GSV reflux >0.5 sec. Plan for endovenous ablation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has leg pain and varicose veins.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports leg pain worsening with standing. Duplex shows GSV reflux >0.5 sec, 5mm diameter. Ulcer at medial malleolus, 2cm x 1cm.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and ulcer details necessary for accurate coding.

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

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