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 CodesI70.262

I70.262

Billable

Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene, left leg

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I70.262 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene, left leg.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I70.262 refers to atherosclerosis of the native arteries of the left leg with gangrene, a severe condition characterized by the narrowing and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup. This condition primarily affects the peripheral arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg, particularly during physical activity (claudication). As the disease progresses, critical limb ischemia may develop, resulting in tissue death (gangrene) due to insufficient blood supply. The left leg is specifically affected in this code, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as Doppler ultrasound or angiography to assess blood flow and identify the extent of arterial blockage. Management typically involves lifestyle modifications, medications to improve blood flow, and possibly surgical interventions such as bypass surgery or amputation in severe cases. Understanding the anatomy involved, including the femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries, is essential for healthcare providers to effectively address this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires thorough assessment and imaging to confirm gangrene and arterial blockage.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve multidisciplinary approaches including vascular surgery, wound care, and rehabilitation.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are necessary to justify the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other forms of atherosclerosis and conditions affecting the extremities.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of the condition or failure to document gangrene.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes that do not support the severity of the condition.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting evidence for the diagnosis and treatment.

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

Cardiology

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

I70.262 has significant clinical implications, as it represents a severe stage of peripheral artery disease that can lead to limb loss and increased morbidity. The prevalence of atherosclerosis and its complications, including gangrene, is rising, impacting population health and healthcare utilization. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications, highlighting the importance of effective management strategies in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

I70.262 has significant clinical implications, as it represents a severe stage of peripheral artery disease that can lead to limb loss and increased morbidity. The prevalence of atherosclerosis and its complications, including gangrene, is rising, impacting population health and healthcare utilization. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications, highlighting the importance of effective management strategies in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for detailed clinical notes and imaging studies that confirm the diagnosis. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for procedures related to the condition. Coding best practices involve ensuring that all aspects of the patient's condition are accurately captured in the medical record to support the selected code.

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 I70.262?

I70.262 covers atherosclerosis of the native arteries of the left leg that has progressed to gangrene. This includes any ischemic changes and tissue necrosis resulting from inadequate blood supply due to arterial blockage.

When should I70.262 be used instead of related codes?

I70.262 should be used when there is clear evidence of gangrene in the left leg due to atherosclerosis. If gangrene is not present, I70.261 should be utilized instead.

What documentation supports I70.262?

Documentation should include clinical findings of gangrene, imaging results showing arterial occlusion, and treatment plans that reflect the severity of the condition. Notes should detail the patient's symptoms and any interventions performed.