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ICD-10 Coding for Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis(I70.0)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Atherosclerosis of the Abdominal AortaAortic Atherosclerosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis

I70-I79Primary Range

Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries

This range includes codes for atherosclerosis affecting different parts of the arterial system, including the aorta.

Aortic aneurysm and dissection

This range includes codes for aortic aneurysms, which may be related to or confused with atherosclerosis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for abdominal aortic atherosclerosis

Essential facts and insights about Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis

The ICD-10 code for abdominal aortic atherosclerosis is I70.0, which covers atherosclerosis of the aorta.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for abdominal aortic atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis of aorta
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging confirms atherosclerosis with clinical relevance.

documentation Criteria

  • Severity and location of atherosclerosis must be documented.

Applicable To

  • Atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta

Excludes

  • Aortic aneurysm (I71.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging showing plaque in the abdominal aorta
  • Documentation of calcification or intimal thickening

Code-Specific Risks

  • Coding incidental findings without clinical relevance

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the aortic site and severity.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Essential (primary) hypertension

I10
Use if hypertension is present as a risk factor.

Hyperlipidemia, unspecified

E78.5
Use when hyperlipidemia is being managed.

Personal history of nicotine dependence

Z87.891
Use if there is a history of tobacco use.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm without rupture

I71.4
Use when an aneurysm is present without rupture, separate from atherosclerosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I70.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms like 'atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta'., Ensure imaging reports are referenced.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with CMS guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes clinical relevance and provider assessment.

Impact

Coding incidental findings without clinical relevance can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes clinical relevance and provider assessment.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Progress note for atherosclerosis management

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Subjective symptoms
  • Objective imaging findings
  • Assessment with ICD-10 code
  • Plan including management strategies

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Reports exertional abdominal discomfort. Current smoker (1ppd x 20 years). **Objective**: CT angiography: Non-obstructive atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta (2.8cm diameter, 2.1mm intimal thickening) **Assessment**: 1. Atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta (I70.0) 2. Hyperlipidemia (E78.5) 3. Tobacco use (Z87.891) **Plan**: Initiate high-intensity statin, smoking cessation counseling

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Aortic plaque seen
Good Documentation Example
Severe calcified atherosclerosis of the infrarenal abdominal aorta (maximal plaque thickness 4.2mm) with <30% luminal narrowing
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the severity and location of the atherosclerosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis? Ask your questions below.

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