2025 ICD-10-CM code I70.24
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the circulatory system - Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries IX Feed
Atherosclerosis of native arteries of the left leg with ulceration.
Medical necessity for services related to I70.24 is established by demonstrating that the ulcer is a direct result of atherosclerotic disease in the left leg arteries, and that treatment is necessary to promote healing, prevent complications (e.g., infection, amputation), and improve the patient's quality of life.
Clinicians responsible for diagnosing and managing I70.24 include vascular specialists, primary care physicians, podiatrists, and wound care specialists. They are responsible for assessing the severity of the atherosclerosis and ulceration, determining appropriate treatment strategies (medical management, wound care, revascularization procedures), and monitoring patient progress.
In simple words: This code indicates that the arteries in your left leg have hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup, leading to a sore or ulcer on your leg.
This code signifies atherosclerosis affecting the native arteries of the left leg, accompanied by the presence of an ulcer. It encompasses conditions such as chronic limb-threatening ischemia and critical limb ischemia of the native arteries of the left leg with ulceration.A supplementary code should be used to specify the severity of the ulcer (L97.-).
Example 1: A 65-year-old male with a history of diabetes and smoking presents with a non-healing ulcer on his left calf. Diagnostic testing confirms peripheral artery disease and the presence of an ulcer due to atherosclerosis of the left leg arteries. I70.24 is used to code the diagnosis., A 70-year-old female experiences pain in her left leg during exercise, and develops an ulcer on her left ankle.Angiography reveals significant atherosclerotic narrowing of the left leg arteries and the ulcer is attributed to poor circulation. I70.24 is used to code this condition., A patient with known peripheral artery disease in the left leg develops a deep ulcer on their left foot, showing signs of critical limb ischemia.The ulcer is a direct consequence of the underlying atherosclerosis, and I70.24 is applied, along with L97.- for ulcer severity.
Documentation for I70.24 should include: location and characteristics of the ulcer (size, depth, appearance), clinical findings related to peripheral artery disease (e.g., diminished pulses, cool skin, pain), results of diagnostic tests (e.g., Doppler ultrasound, angiography), and assessment of limb ischemia severity (e.g., chronic limb-threatening ischemia, critical limb ischemia).
- Specialties:Vascular surgery, cardiology, primary care, podiatry, wound care
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Home Health, Skilled Nursing Facility, etc.