ICD-10 Coding for Limb Ischemia(I70.22, I70.23, I70.26)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Limb Ischemia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Limb Ischemia
I70.2-I70.9Primary Range
Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities
This range includes codes for atherosclerosis-related limb ischemia, covering various manifestations such as rest pain, ulceration, and gangrene.
Other disorders of circulatory system
Used for non-specific circulatory disorders not covered by more specific codes.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| I70.22 | Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with rest pain | Use when rest pain is documented with supporting hemodynamic evidence. |
|
| I70.23 | Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with ulceration | Use when ulceration is documented with supporting imaging evidence. |
|
| I70.26 | Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene | Use when gangrene is documented with absent pulses. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for limb ischemia
Essential facts and insights about Limb Ischemia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for limb ischemia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of rest pain with ABI ≤0.5
documentation Criteria
- Clear documentation of rest pain and hemodynamic evidence
Applicable To
- Rest pain due to atherosclerosis
Excludes
- Acute embolism and thrombosis (I74.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Rest pain unrelieved by dependency
- ABI ≤0.5 or toe pressure <30 mmHg
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if rest pain is not clearly documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies rest pain and includes hemodynamic measurements.
I70.23 - Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with ulceration
Use when ulceration is documented with supporting imaging evidence.
Applicable To
- Ulceration due to atherosclerosis
Excludes
- Diabetic ulcers (E11.621)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Non-healing ulcer >2 weeks
- Imaging-confirmed arterial occlusion
Coding Notes
Document ulcer characteristics and confirm arterial occlusion via imaging.
I70.26 - Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene
Use when gangrene is documented with absent pulses.
Applicable To
- Gangrene due to atherosclerosis
Excludes
- Gangrene due to diabetes (E11.52)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Dry gangrene description
- Absent pedal pulses
Coding Notes
Ensure gangrene is clearly documented with absent pulse findings.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy
E11.51Chronic total occlusion of artery of the extremities
I70.92Stent thrombosis
T82.868ADifferential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Embolism and thrombosis of arteries of the lower extremities
I74.3Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
E11.621Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene
E11.52Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Limb Ischemia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I70.22.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and penalties., Financial: Results in denied claims or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific clinical terms and test results., Ensure documentation supports code selection.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to non-specific coding., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data and outcomes tracking.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific I70 codes when documentation supports atherosclerosis-related manifestations.
Impact
Using non-specific codes like I99.8 for limb ischemia.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific I70 codes with detailed documentation.
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 Limb Ischemia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Limb Ischemia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Limb Ischemia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia with Ulceration
Specialty: Vascular SurgeryRequired Elements
- Symptoms: Rest pain, ulceration
- Physical exam: Pallor, absent pulses
- Testing: ABI, imaging findings
- Etiology: Atherosclerosis
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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