ICD-10 Coding for Mesenteric Artery Stenosis(K55.1, I70.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mesenteric Artery Stenosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Mesenteric Artery Stenosis
K55.0-K55.9Primary Range
Vascular disorders of intestine
This range includes chronic vascular insufficiency of the intestine, which encompasses mesenteric artery stenosis.
Atherosclerosis
This range includes atherosclerosis of other arteries, which may be used as an ancillary code when atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of mesenteric artery stenosis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| K55.1 | Chronic vascular disorders of intestine | Use when chronic mesenteric ischemia is confirmed by imaging and clinical symptoms. |
|
| I70.8 | Atherosclerosis of other arteries | Use as an ancillary code when atherosclerosis is documented as the cause of stenosis. |
|
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 mesenteric artery stenosis
Essential facts and insights about Mesenteric Artery Stenosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mesenteric artery stenosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of postprandial pain and significant weight loss
coding Criteria
- Confirmed imaging findings of ≥70% stenosis
documentation Criteria
- Detailed symptom description and imaging results
Applicable To
- Chronic mesenteric ischemia
- Mesenteric artery stenosis
Excludes
- Acute mesenteric ischemia (K55.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Postprandial abdominal pain beginning 15-30 minutes after meals
- Duplex ultrasound PSV >275 cm/s in SMA
- CTA showing ≥70% stenosis in ≥2 mesenteric arteries
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as acute ischemia
- Lack of symptom documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies chronicity and imaging findings.
I70.8 - Atherosclerosis of other arteries
Use as an ancillary code when atherosclerosis is documented as the cause of stenosis.
Applicable To
- Atherosclerosis of mesenteric artery
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of atherosclerosis as the underlying cause
Coding Notes
Ensure atherosclerosis is explicitly documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Atherosclerosis of other arteries
I70.8Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Acute vascular disorders of intestine
K55.0Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mesenteric Artery Stenosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code K55.1.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure imaging results are documented., Verify stenosis severity.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify symptom duration and imaging findings to differentiate.
Impact
Inadequate symptom documentation can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of symptom onset, duration, and triggers.
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 Mesenteric Artery Stenosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Mesenteric Artery Stenosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mesenteric Artery Stenosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia evaluation
Specialty: Vascular SurgeryRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Symptom description
- Imaging results
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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