2025 ICD-10-CM code I70.23
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of the circulatory system - Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries IX Diseases of the circulatory system Feed
Atherosclerosis of native arteries of the right leg with ulceration.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a lower extremity ulcer related to peripheral artery disease that is not responding to conservative management, and that threatens limb viability or patient well-being.Further, the need for surgical or endovascular intervention must be documented.
Diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial disease, including assessment of the extent of atherosclerosis, evaluation of ulcer severity, and treatment planning which might include medication, wound care, and potentially surgical intervention.
In simple words: Hardening of the arteries in the right leg, causing an open sore.
Atherosclerosis of native arteries of the right leg, complicated by ulceration. This diagnosis includes chronic limb-threatening ischemia and critical limb ischemia of the native arteries of the right leg with ulceration.Additional codes should be used to specify the severity of the ulcer (L97.-).This code excludes atherosclerosis of bypass grafts of the extremities (I70.30-I70.79) and should be used with additional codes to identify chronic total occlusion of an artery of the extremity (I70.92) when applicable.
Example 1: A 72-year-old male with a history of smoking presents with a non-healing ulcer on his right lower leg.Doppler ultrasound reveals significant atherosclerosis in the native arteries of the right leg.The ulcer is classified as a stage III pressure ulcer. , A 65-year-old female with diabetes and hypertension is admitted with severe pain and a large, deep ulcer on her right ankle.Angiography demonstrates significant stenosis in the right posterior tibial and peroneal arteries. Critical limb ischemia is diagnosed., A 58-year-old male presents to the vascular surgery clinic with intermittent claudication and a small, superficial ulcer on his right calf.Physical exam and ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements support the diagnosis. Conservative management is initiated.
Complete history and physical examination, including assessment of the ulcer (location, size, depth, presence of infection), peripheral pulses, and capillary refill.Imaging studies (Doppler ultrasound, angiography) to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of atherosclerosis. Laboratory tests (complete blood count, blood glucose).
** Consider using additional codes to specify the presence of infection, gangrene, or other complications.Accurate staging of the ulcer (e.g., using the Wagner classification) is vital.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Cardiology, Endocrinology, General Surgery, Wound Care
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Ambulatory Surgical Center