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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI70.2

I70.2

Non-billable

Atherosclerosis of native arteries of the extremities

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I70.2 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of atherosclerosis of native arteries of the extremities.

Key Diagnostic Point:

I70.2 refers to atherosclerosis of native arteries of the extremities, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arteries that supply blood to the limbs. This condition can lead to reduced blood flow, resulting in symptoms such as intermittent claudication, pain, and in severe cases, critical limb ischemia. The anatomy involved includes the femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries, which are crucial for maintaining adequate blood supply to the legs and feet. Disease progression can vary; it may start asymptomatically and progress to significant vascular compromise, leading to potential limb loss if not managed appropriately. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as Doppler ultrasound or angiography to assess blood flow and identify the extent of arterial blockage. Early detection and management are vital to prevent complications associated with advanced atherosclerosis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical evaluation to confirm
  • Treatment complexity: May involve lifestyle changes, medications, or surgical interventions
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging results necessary
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise documentation of the affected arteries and symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of affected arteries or severity
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or lack of imaging reports
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or coding errors

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

The clinical significance of I70.2 lies in its potential to lead to severe complications such as limb amputation if untreated. Atherosclerosis of the extremities is prevalent in populations with risk factors like diabetes and smoking, impacting overall population health. Quality measures focus on early detection and management to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization associated with advanced disease stages.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of I70.2 lies in its potential to lead to severe complications such as limb amputation if untreated. Atherosclerosis of the extremities is prevalent in populations with risk factors like diabetes and smoking, impacting overall population health. Quality measures focus on early detection and management to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization associated with advanced disease stages.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition and the complexity of the treatment provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for procedures. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are complete and that imaging studies are clearly linked to the diagnosis.

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 I70.2?

I70.2 covers atherosclerosis affecting the native arteries of the extremities, which may include conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia. It is characterized by plaque formation leading to reduced blood flow and associated symptoms.

When should I70.2 be used instead of related codes?

I70.2 should be used when the atherosclerosis specifically affects the native arteries of the extremities, as opposed to other codes that may pertain to non-native arteries or other vascular conditions. Accurate assessment of the anatomical site is crucial.

What documentation supports I70.2?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and results from imaging studies such as Doppler ultrasound or angiography that confirm the diagnosis of atherosclerosis in the native arteries of the extremities.