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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI74.01

I74.01

Billable

Saddle embolus of abdominal aorta

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

Code Description

ICD-10 I74.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of saddle embolus of abdominal aorta.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Saddle embolus of the abdominal aorta is a critical condition characterized by the obstruction of blood flow due to a thrombus or embolus that lodges at the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta into the common iliac arteries. Clinically, patients may present with acute limb ischemia, severe abdominal pain, and signs of systemic embolization. The anatomy involved includes the abdominal aorta and its branches, particularly the common iliac arteries. Disease progression can lead to significant ischemia of the lower extremities, resulting in tissue necrosis if not promptly addressed. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT angiography or Doppler ultrasound to visualize the embolus and assess blood flow. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent irreversible damage and improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification of embolic events.
  • Documentation gaps may arise from insufficient detail on the patient's clinical presentation and imaging findings.
  • Billing challenges can occur due to the need for extensive documentation to justify the medical necessity of interventions.

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 saddle embolus of the abdominal aorta lies in its potential to cause severe ischemia and limb loss if not treated promptly. This condition impacts population health by contributing to morbidity associated with vascular diseases. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, which can improve healthcare utilization patterns and reduce the burden of vascular complications in the population.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of saddle embolus of the abdominal aorta lies in its potential to cause severe ischemia and limb loss if not treated promptly. This condition impacts population health by contributing to morbidity associated with vascular diseases. Quality measures focus on timely diagnosis and intervention, which can improve healthcare utilization patterns and reduce the burden of vascular complications in the population.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the medical necessity of the interventions and adherence to payer-specific guidelines. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the urgency of the condition. Best practices include thorough documentation of all clinical findings and ensuring that the coding accurately reflects the complexity of the case.

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 I74.01?

I74.01 specifically covers saddle embolus of the abdominal aorta, which is a type of arterial embolism that can lead to acute limb ischemia and requires immediate medical intervention.

When should I74.01 be used instead of related codes?

I74.01 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of a saddle embolus at the abdominal aorta, particularly when imaging studies confirm the location and nature of the embolism, distinguishing it from other types of embolisms.

What documentation supports I74.01?

Documentation must include clinical findings, imaging results confirming the presence of a saddle embolus, and details regarding the patient's symptoms and any interventions performed.