The ICD-10 code range I80-I89 is dedicated to diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes. These codes cover a variety of conditions, including varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, venous insufficiency, and lymphadenitis. The codes also encompass complications related to these conditions, such as post-thrombotic syndrome and venous embolism. The codes are used to accurately document patient diagnoses for billing and statistical purposes.

Key Usage Points:

•Always use the highest level of specificity available within the code set.
•Include a code for any associated complications or manifestations.
•Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions or symptoms.
•Remember that laterality (left, right, bilateral) is often a component of these codes.
•Use a code from this range only when the condition is diagnosed by a physician.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

✓When a patient presents with varicose veins.
✓When a patient is diagnosed with lymphadenitis.
✓When a patient has a venous embolism or thrombosis.
✓When a patient has post-thrombotic syndrome.
✓When a patient has other diseases of veins or lymphatic vessels.

When NOT to Use:

✗When a patient has a condition related to arteries or capillaries.
✗When a patient has a condition related to the heart or circulatory system that is not specifically venous.
✗When a patient has a condition related to the lymphatic system that is not a disease of the lymph nodes.
✗When a patient has a condition that is not diagnosed by a physician.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions with the latest ICD-10 code book or electronic coding tool.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation for diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes should include the specific diagnosis, any associated complications or manifestations, and any associated conditions or symptoms. The documentation should also include the laterality of the condition, if applicable.

Clinical Information:

•Specific diagnosis
•Associated complications or manifestations
•Associated conditions or symptoms
•Laterality of the condition

Supporting Evidence:

•Physician's notes
•Lab results
•Imaging results
•Operative reports

Good Documentation Example:

Patient diagnosed with acute thrombophlebitis of the left lower extremity with pulmonary embolism. Ultrasound confirms the diagnosis.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has leg pain.

Common Documentation Errors:

⚠Not documenting the specific diagnosis
⚠Not documenting any associated complications or manifestations
⚠Not documenting any associated conditions or symptoms
⚠Not documenting the laterality of the condition

Range Statistics

Total Codes

153

Billable

Complexity:

Medium

Primary Use:Clinical Documentation

Chapter:9

Coding Complexity

Medium

Complexity Rating

The coding complexity for diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes is medium due to the need for specificity in the diagnosis, the potential for associated complications or manifestations, the potential for associated conditions or symptoms, and the potential for laterality in the condition.

Key Factors:

▸Specificity of the diagnosis
▸Presence of associated complications or manifestations
▸Presence of associated conditions or symptoms
▸Laterality of the condition

Specialty Focus

These codes are commonly used in specialties that deal with vascular and lymphatic conditions, including vascular surgery, general surgery, and internal medicine.

Primary Specialties:

Vascular Surgery

40%

General Surgery

30%

Internal Medicine

30%

Clinical Scenarios:

• A patient presents with painful, swollen varicose veins in the left leg.
• A patient is diagnosed with lymphadenitis in the right axillary lymph nodes.
• A patient has a venous embolism in the right lower extremity.
• A patient has post-thrombotic syndrome in the left lower extremity.
• A patient has chronic venous insufficiency in both lower extremities.

Resources & References

Resources for coding diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes include the ICD-10 code book, electronic coding tools, and official coding guidelines.

Official Guidelines:

ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
American Hospital Association's Coding Clinic
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines

Clinical References:

UpToDate
Medscape

Educational Materials:

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) resources
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a code from this range if the condition is suspected but not confirmed?

No, you should only use a code from this range when the condition is diagnosed by a physician.