2025 ICD-10-CM code I75
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Circulatory System - Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries Diseases of the circulatory system Feed
Atheroembolism: Blocking of a blood vessel by cholesterol-rich deposits.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific procedures performed and the site of service.Consult the appropriate coding guidelines for clarification.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and treatment of atheroembolism is established when there is clinical evidence of arterial occlusion due to atheromatous emboli, causing pain, tissue ischemia, or potential organ damage.The severity and location of the emboli dictate the intensity of intervention, ranging from anticoagulation to surgical intervention.The documentation should support the presence of clinical symptoms, diagnostic imaging findings, and appropriate treatment.
The clinical responsibility for diagnosing and managing atheroembolism involves a range of specialists, including cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and internists.Diagnosis requires a thorough clinical evaluation, including patient history, physical examination (focused on peripheral pulses, skin temperature, and capillary refill), and imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, angiography, CT scan) to visualize the blockage and assess the extent of tissue damage. Treatment may involve anticoagulation, thrombolytic therapy, or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the blockage and the clinical presentation.
In simple words: Atheroembolism happens when pieces of cholesterol buildup in your arteries break off and block blood flow in smaller arteries. This can cause sudden pain and a bluish color in your fingers or toes.
Atheroembolism is the blockage of a blood vessel by cholesterol-rich atheromatous (plaque) deposits. This typically occurs when these deposits break off from a larger artery and travel to smaller arterial branches, a process also known as arterial-arterial embolization.Atheroembolism can be spontaneous or iatrogenic (caused by medical intervention). Spontaneous atheroembolism often presents with sudden-onset pain and cyanosis (bluish discoloration) in the digits.
Example 1: A 70-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents with sudden onset of severe pain and cyanosis in his right leg.Angiography reveals multiple small emboli in the arteries of the lower leg consistent with atheroembolism. , An 80-year-old female with atrial fibrillation undergoes cardiac catheterization. Post-procedure, she develops sudden pain and cyanosis in her fingers and toes.A diagnosis of iatrogenic atheroembolism is made. , A 65-year-old male with a history of atherosclerosis presents with gradually worsening claudication (pain with walking) and coolness in his left leg.A workup reveals multiple small atheromatous emboli in the arteries of his left leg, indicating chronic atheroembolism.
Complete patient history (including cardiovascular risk factors), physical examination findings (peripheral pulses, skin color, temperature, capillary refill), relevant imaging studies (angiography, ultrasound, CT scan), laboratory results (blood counts, coagulation studies), and treatment notes should be well-documented.
** This code is for atheroembolism, not for the underlying atherosclerosis.The severity and location of the atheroembolism should be considered when selecting the appropriate code.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office