ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI70.23

I70.23

Non-billable

Atherosclerosis of native arteries of right leg with ulceration

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 I70.23 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of atherosclerosis of native arteries of right leg with ulceration.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I70.23 refers to atherosclerosis of the native arteries of the right leg with ulceration. This condition is characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) within the arterial walls, leading to narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as claudication (pain in the leg muscles during physical activity), rest pain, and non-healing ulcers on the right leg. The anatomy involved includes the femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries, which supply blood to the lower extremities. Disease progression can lead to critical limb ischemia, where blood flow is severely reduced, resulting in tissue necrosis and potential limb loss. Diagnostic considerations include Doppler ultrasound, angiography, and physical examination to assess blood flow and ulcer characteristics. Management may involve lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and possibly surgical interventions such as bypass grafting or angioplasty to restore blood flow and promote healing of ulcers.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging studies and clinical evaluation to confirm diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve multidisciplinary approaches including vascular surgery and wound care.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of ulcer characteristics and treatment plans is essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other types of atherosclerosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the affected leg or failure to document ulcer characteristics.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding the severity of symptoms or treatment plans.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation for ulceration.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Vascular Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Wound Care Management

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of I70.23 lies in its association with increased morbidity and potential limb loss if not managed appropriately. It impacts population health by contributing to the burden of cardiovascular diseases and complications related to peripheral artery disease. Quality measures may include monitoring ulcer healing rates and patient outcomes post-intervention. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns is vital, as patients with this condition often require multiple healthcare services, including vascular assessments and wound care management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I70.23 lies in its association with increased morbidity and potential limb loss if not managed appropriately. It impacts population health by contributing to the burden of cardiovascular diseases and complications related to peripheral artery disease. Quality measures may include monitoring ulcer healing rates and patient outcomes post-intervention. Understanding healthcare utilization patterns is vital, as patients with this condition often require multiple healthcare services, including vascular assessments and wound care management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the treatment plan aligns with the severity of the ulceration and associated symptoms. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the ulcer's characteristics or lack of evidence for the necessity of surgical interventions. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, imaging reports, and treatment plans to substantiate claims.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by I70.23?

I70.23 covers atherosclerosis affecting the native arteries of the right leg, specifically when accompanied by ulceration. This includes chronic ischemic ulcers and other complications arising from reduced blood flow due to arterial narrowing.

When should I70.23 be used instead of related codes?

I70.23 should be used when the patient presents with atherosclerosis of the right leg specifically with ulceration. If the condition affects the left leg or does not involve ulceration, other codes such as I70.22 or I70.21 should be selected.

What documentation supports I70.23?

Documentation should include clinical notes detailing the patient's symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging results confirming atherosclerosis, and descriptions of the ulcer's size, location, and treatment plan.