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K55.1
ICD-10-CM
Mesenteric Artery Stenosis

Find information on mesenteric artery stenosis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (I70.1), medical coding guidelines, and treatment options. Learn about symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and interventional radiology procedures for chronic mesenteric ischemia caused by mesenteric artery stenosis. This resource provides healthcare professionals with essential information for accurate diagnosis and coding of mesenteric artery stenosis. Explore related terms like chronic mesenteric ischemia, intestinal angina, and atherosclerotic disease of the mesenteric arteries.

Also known as

Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia
Intestinal Artery Narrowing

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the intestines.
  • Clinical Signs : Abdominal pain after eating, weight loss, fear of food.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient clinics, vascular surgery departments, interventional radiology.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC K55.1 Coding
I77.1

Other disorders of arteries and arterioles

Includes mesenteric artery stenosis and other specified artery diseases.

K55.1

Vascular disorders of intestine

Encompasses acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia, related to stenosis.

I70-I79

Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries

Broader category for arterial diseases, including stenosis-related conditions.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the mesenteric artery stenosis due to atherosclerosis?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Mesenteric Artery Stenosis
Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia
Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document symptoms: postprandial abdominal pain, weight loss
  • Duplex ultrasound findings: peak systolic velocity >= 275 cm/s
  • Angiography/CTA/MRA results: stenosis percentage and location
  • Differential diagnoses considered and ruled out
  • Treatment plan: medical management, endovascular or surgical intervention

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding lacks laterality (right, left, bilateral) impacting reimbursement and quality metrics. CDI should query for clarity.

  • Cause Documentation

    Missing documentation of stenosis etiology (atherosclerosis, thrombosis) affects accurate code assignment and risk adjustment.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Suspected stenosis without confirmatory imaging (angiography) can lead to inaccurate coding and potential compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document angina, weight loss, postprandial pain for ICD-10 K74.4
  • Capture duplex ultrasound findings: PSV >275 cm/s for stenosis severity.
  • Code Z98.892 for personal history of mesenteric artery stenosis.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation lacks laterality (I70.23x)
  • Ensure compliant coding by linking stenosis to hypertension (I10-I15)

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Postprandial abdominal pain documented?
  • Weight loss and food aversion noted?
  • Abdominal bruit auscultated and charted?
  • Lateral aortography or CTA results reviewed?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Mesenteric Artery Stenosis: Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary
  • ICD-10-CM I77.1, CPT 44399, 75774: Coding accuracy crucial for optimal reimbursement.
  • HCC coding: Impacts risk adjustment and accurate reflection of patient complexity.
  • Timely and accurate documentation: Improves case mix index and reduces denials.
  • Quality metrics: Monitoring procedural complications and patient outcomes affects hospital reporting.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code I70.1 for stenosis
  • Query MD for laterality
  • Document symptoms, eg, pain
  • Check for K72.1 combo
  • Include diagnostic studies

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with classic symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia, including postprandial abdominal pain, food aversion, and weight loss.  The patient reports experiencing abdominal cramping and pain approximately 15-30 minutes after eating, often described as a "fear of food" or sitophobia.  Physical examination revealed a soft abdomen with mild tenderness on palpation but no palpable masses.  Auscultation revealed a bruit in the epigastric region.  Duplex ultrasound of the mesenteric arteries demonstrated significant stenosis of the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery, estimated at 70% and 60% respectively.  Angiography confirmed the presence of mesenteric artery stenosis, meeting diagnostic criteria for chronic mesenteric ischemia.  Differential diagnosis included irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, and small bowel obstruction.  These were ruled out based on clinical presentation, imaging findings, and laboratory results.  The patient's medical history includes hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and a history of smoking.  These risk factors contribute to the development of atherosclerotic disease, the likely etiology of the mesenteric artery stenosis.  Treatment options, including angioplasty, stenting, and bypass surgery, were discussed with the patient.  The risks and benefits of each procedure were explained, and the patient elected to proceed with endovascular intervention.  A follow-up appointment was scheduled to monitor symptom resolution and assess for any complications.  ICD-10 code I77.1, chronic mesenteric ischemia, was assigned.  CPT codes for the diagnostic and interventional procedures will be documented upon completion.