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I83.90
ICD-10-CM
Varicose Vein

Find comprehensive information on varicose vein diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 I83), and treatment options. Learn about venous insufficiency, chronic venous disease, spider veins, and reticular veins. Explore resources for healthcare professionals covering phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, and the latest advancements in varicose vein management. Understand the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with varicose veins, including leg swelling, pain, and cosmetic concerns.

Also known as

Varicose Veins
Venous Insufficiency
Spider Veins

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Enlarged, twisted veins, often appearing blue or purple.
  • Clinical Signs : Visible, bulging veins, leg swelling, aching, or heaviness.
  • Common Settings : Legs, ankles, and feet. Treated in vascular clinics or hospitals.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I83.90 Coding
I83

Varicose veins of lower extremities

Dilated, tortuous veins, most commonly in legs.

I87

Other disorders of veins

Includes venous insufficiency and other venous conditions.

I80-I89

Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels

Encompasses various venous and lymphatic system diseases.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the varicose vein of the lower extremity?

  • Yes

    With inflammation?

  • No

    Specify site

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Varicose veins
Telangiectasia
Chronic venous insufficiency

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Varicose vein diagnosis code (ICD-10-CM I83)
  • Document symptom onset and duration
  • Location and laterality of varicose veins
  • Severity (e.g., spider veins, bulging)
  • Associated symptoms (e.g., pain, swelling)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding lacks laterality (right, left, bilateral) leading to claim denials and inaccurate data for quality reporting. Impacts I83.00-I83.9 codes.

  • Unconfirmed Severity

    Documentation missing bleeding, inflammation, or ulceration details needed for I83.0-I83.2 codes. Affects reimbursement and case mix index.

  • Comorbidity Confusion

    Phlebitis and thrombosis documentation often overlaps with varicose vein diagnoses. Accurate coding requires distinct clinical indicators.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (I83.-) for varicose veins
  • Thorough documentation of vein location, size, symptoms
  • Assess CEAP classification for accurate clinical severity staging
  • Regular audits for compliant varicose vein documentation and billing
  • Use duplex ultrasound findings to support diagnosis coding (I83.90)

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Visible dilated, tortuous veins: Document location & size.
  • 2. Leg pain, swelling, or aching: Assess severity & duration.
  • 3. Rule out DVT: Perform venous duplex ultrasound.
  • 4. Family history of varicose veins: Document if present.
  • 5. Skin changes: Note ulceration, pigmentation, or eczema.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Varicose Vein reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (I83.x) impacting claim denials and revenue cycle management.
  • Quality metrics like venous ulceration rate and post-op complications affect hospital VBP scores and patient outcomes.
  • Proper documentation of severity (e.g., with or without inflammation/ulceration) is crucial for appropriate reimbursement levels.
  • Timely and accurate coding of ablation/sclerotherapy procedures (36470, 36471) minimizes audit risk and maximizes reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code I83 for varicose veins
  • Specify site laterality
  • Document vein dysfunction
  • Add complications like ulcers
  • Include duplex ultrasound findings

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with varicose veins.  Symptoms include visible, dilated, tortuous veins in the lower extremities, specifically the [location, e.g., medial aspect of the left calf].  The patient reports [symptom severity, e.g., mild, moderate, severe] pain described as [pain characteristics, e.g., aching, throbbing, cramping] and exacerbated by [exacerbating factors, e.g., prolonged standing, sitting].  Associated symptoms may include leg swelling, edema, itching, and a feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the affected limb.  Physical examination reveals [objective findings, e.g., palpable, distended veins, skin discoloration, lipodermatosclerosis, venous ulcers if present].  The Clinical Etiology Classification (CEAP) clinical class is documented as C[Class number, e.g. C2].  Venous insufficiency, chronic venous disease, and venous reflux are considered in the differential diagnosis.  Duplex ultrasound of the lower extremity veins is ordered to evaluate venous blood flow and assess for venous reflux and thrombosis.  Treatment options including conservative management with compression stockings, leg elevation, and lifestyle modifications such as weight management and regular exercise, as well as endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy, were discussed with the patient.  Patient education provided regarding varicose vein treatment, venous disease management, and potential complications.  Follow-up appointment scheduled to review ultrasound results and finalize treatment plan.  ICD-10 code I83.90, unspecified varicose veins of lower extremities, is documented.