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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAortic Sclerosis

Aortic Sclerosis

ICD-10 Coding for Aortic Sclerosis(I35.8)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYCardiology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Aortic Sclerosis?
Essential facts and insights about Aortic Sclerosis

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of aortic valve thickening or calcification without significant stenosis or regurgitation.
  • Echocardiographic findings showing increased echogenicity of the aortic valve leaflets.
  • Physical examination may reveal a systolic ejection murmur, particularly in older adults.
  • Imaging findings from echocardiography or CT scan indicating aortic valve sclerosis.
  • Severity is often assessed based on the degree of aortic valve calcification and its impact on hemodynamics.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Complete medical history including risk factors such as age, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
  • Specific terminology such as 'aortic sclerosis' must be used in the documentation.
  • Examples include: 'Patient presents with aortic sclerosis as evidenced by echocardiographic findings.'
  • Documentation must demonstrate medical necessity for diagnostic tests and treatments.
  • Quality measures may include monitoring of aortic valve function and patient symptoms.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use this diagnosis code when a patient has aortic sclerosis without significant stenosis or regurgitation.
  • Do NOT use this code if the patient has aortic stenosis or significant regurgitation, as these have separate codes.
  • Related codes include I35.0 (Aortic stenosis) and I35.1 (Aortic regurgitation).
  • Common errors include misclassifying aortic sclerosis as aortic stenosis; ensure echocardiographic findings are reviewed.
  • In complex cases, consider the patient's overall cardiac function and any coexisting conditions.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excludes aortic stenosis (I35.0) and aortic regurgitation (I35.1).
  • Alternative codes for excluded conditions include I35.0 for significant stenosis.
  • Conditions are excluded because they represent different pathophysiological processes.
  • Common mistakes include coding aortic sclerosis when aortic stenosis is present; verify echocardiogram results.
  • Related but distinct conditions include mitral valve disorders and other valvular heart diseases.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
I35.8
Other specified nonrheumatic aortic valve disorders
I35.0
Aortic stenosis
Ancillary Codes
I70.0
Differential Codes
I35.0
I35.0
when there is significant stenosis with peak velocity >2.5 m/s.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Cardiology

Specialty Applications

  • Applies to patients with age-related aortic valve changes, particularly those over 70.
  • Patient populations include older adults, especially those with cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Clinical settings include outpatient cardiology clinics and inpatient cardiology units.
  • Specialty-specific applications are relevant in cardiology and geriatric medicine.
  • Treatment contexts may involve monitoring and management of cardiovascular health.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Patient diagnosed with aortic sclerosis based on echocardiographic findings of valve thickening.'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with aortic sclerosis including a systolic ejection murmur.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria for aortic sclerosis met as evidenced by echocardiogram showing increased echogenicity.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan initiated for aortic sclerosis with regular monitoring of cardiac function.'

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for aortic sclerosis including echocardiographic monitoring every 6-12 months.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this diagnosis?

Documentation must include echocardiographic findings and clinical symptoms.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

Aortic sclerosis is characterized by valve thickening without significant obstruction, unlike aortic stenosis.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the services provided to optimize reimbursement.

What procedures are typically associated?

Commonly associated procedures include echocardiograms and cardiac evaluations.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Quality measures may include tracking the progression of aortic valve disease and patient outcomes.