Learn about limb ischemia diagnosis, including acute limb ischemia, chronic limb ischemia, peripheral artery disease PAD, and critical limb ischemia CLI. This resource covers healthcare documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes for limb ischemia, differential diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical guidelines for healthcare professionals. Understand the symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic tests associated with lower extremity ischemia and upper extremity ischemia. Find information on revascularization procedures and post-operative care for patients with limb ischemia.
Also known as
Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries
Covers peripheral vascular disease, including limb ischemia.
Peripheral arterial disease
Specific code for peripheral arterial disease affecting limbs.
Other and unspecified disorders of circulatory system
May be used for less specific or unusual limb ischemia cases.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the limb ischemia acute?
Yes
Due to embolism/thrombosis?
No
Chronic peripheral artery disease?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Limb Ischemia |
Acute Limb Ischemia |
Chronic Limb Ischemia |
Coding limb ischemia without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim denials and inaccurate quality reporting. CDI should query for laterality.
Miscoding acute vs. chronic limb ischemia impacts reimbursement and data analysis. Accurate documentation is crucial for proper ICD-10 coding (e.g., I70.2 vs. I73.9).
Atherosclerosis is often associated. Failing to code associated atherosclerosis with limb ischemia leads to underreporting disease severity and impacts risk adjustment.
Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of limb ischemia. Onset of symptoms was (duration) and characterized by (intermittent claudication, rest pain, acute limb ischemia). Location of symptoms is specified as (right upper extremity, left lower extremity, bilateral lower extremities, etc.). Pain quality described as (aching, burning, cramping, shooting). Associated symptoms may include (paresthesia, numbness, coolness, pallor, muscle weakness, ulceration, gangrene). Patient reports (aggravating factors such as exertion, elevation) and (relieving factors such as rest, dependency). Past medical history includes (peripheral artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, coronary artery disease, history of prior revascularization). Physical examination reveals (diminished or absent pulses, bruit, cool extremity, pallor, dependent rubor, muscle atrophy, ulceration, gangrene). Capillary refill time is (delayed, normal). Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is (recorded value). Diagnostic workup may include (duplex ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, arteriogram). Assessment: Limb ischemia (acute, chronic), Rutherford classification (stage I-VI), Fontaine classification (stage I-IV). Differential diagnosis includes (neuropathy, venous insufficiency, compartment syndrome, thromboembolism). Plan includes (conservative management with lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation and exercise, medical management with antiplatelet therapy and statins, further diagnostic testing, referral to vascular surgery for consideration of revascularization procedure such as angioplasty, bypass grafting, or endarterectomy). Patient education provided regarding risk factor modification, medication adherence, and follow-up care. Return to clinic scheduled in (timeframe).