Question: Answer: The popliteal artery is an extension of the femoral artery and bifurcates into the tibial arteries. That places the popliteal arteries in the lower extremities. Code 440.2x applies to arteries in the extremities, so you know you're on the right track. Look in the ICD-9 index under "Stenosis; artery; extremity," and the entry will point you to 440.20 (Atherosclerosis of native arteries of the extremities unspecified). When you turn to 440.20 in the tabular list, you'll see additional options in the range that may be more appropriate, depending on your documentation: Follow the notes with each code to ensure you report an additional code if required. For example, for all of the codes in the range, you should report 440.4 (Chronic total occlusion of artery of the extremities) as a secondary code if it applies to the patient's case. Take note: