Wiki Help with correct coding of DM, PVD, and Arteriosclerosis

[ChattRiskCoder]

What is the correct coding for DM, PVD, and Arteriosclerosis?

Can we code the Arteriosclerosis of extremity with claudication when we see Arteriosclerosis and PVD or would the provider have to specifically state claudication since it’s a symptom?

 

[kathrynw]

Hi,

Under I73.9, peripheral vascular disease, unspecified there is an Excludes 1 note listing I70.2-I70.7, atherosclerosis of the extremities. AHA Coding Clinic 2018 Vol. 5, No.4 instructs that Excludes 1 notes should be interpreted to mean "not coded here". That would direct you to use codes I70.2-I70.7 when both Atherosclerosis of extremities and PVD are documented.

That being said if the physician didn't state claudication I would direct your coding to unspecified, I70.20-.

Hopefully this helps,

 

[ChattRiskCoder]

It absolutely does. Thank you!!