Atherosclerosis ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, often called the hardening of arteries, is a complex medical condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, leading to narrowed and less flexible arteries. This can significantly impact blood flow and lead to various cardiovascular complications. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for clinical documentation and billing purposes. 

The ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) provides specific codes to classify and bill for this condition. Here's a closer look at some of the commonly used ICD-10 codes for atherosclerosis:

• I70.8 - Atherosclerosis of other arteries: This code captures atherosclerosis in arteries not explicitly mentioned elsewhere. It's a catch-all for less common manifestations of the disease.

• I70.90 - Generalized Atherosclerosis, unspecified: This code is employed when atherosclerosis is widespread throughout the arterial system but isn't localized to a specific artery.

• I70 - Atherosclerosis: A broad code that signifies the presence of atherosclerosis without diving into specifics. It's often used when more detailed information isn't available.

• I25.10 - Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris: This code is reserved for cases where the native coronary artery exhibits atherosclerosis, but the patient hasn't shown symptoms of angina pectoris.

• I70.209 - Atherosclerosis of unspecified type of bypass graft(s) of the extremities, unspecified: This code is used when atherosclerosis is identified in a bypass graft in the extremities, but the graft type and exact extremity aren't detailed.

• I25.83 - Coronary Atherosclerosis due to lipid-rich plaque: This specific code pinpoints coronary atherosclerosis that arises due to lipid-rich plaque accumulation, emphasizing the condition's cause.

For those keen on expanding their knowledge on this topic and understanding the nuances of medical billing and coding, our AtherosclerosisICD Codes resources offer a comprehensive overview.

Which Atherosclerosis ICD codes are Billable?

• I70.8 - Yes
• I70.90 - Yes
• I70 - Yes
• I25.10 - Yes
• I70.209 - Yes
• I25.83 - Yes

Clinical Information

Atherosclerosis, often called a silent killer, is a progressive disease that affects the arteries, the blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to various body parts. Here's a deeper dive into the clinical aspects of this condition:

Nature of the Disease

• Atherosclerosis is characterized by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, which can compromise their elasticity and function.

• The condition results from plaque buildup on the inner walls of the arteries. This plaque primarily consists of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin.

Impact on Blood Flow

• As the plaque accumulates, it can protrude into the arterial lumen, restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood.

• Over time, this can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease, depending on the affected artery.

Risk Factors

• High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels in the blood can contribute to plaque formation.
• High Blood Pressure: Chronic high blood pressure can damage arterial walls, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can damage the inner lining of arteries, promoting plaque accumulation.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can increase the rate of plaque formation.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can elevate the risk of atherosclerosis and its associated complications.

Symptomatic Variability

• The symptoms of atherosclerosis can be insidious or overt, depending on the location and severity of the arterial blockage.
• Common symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain in the affected region. However, many individuals may remain asymptomatic until a significant blockage occurs.

Synonyms Include

• Arteriosclerotic vascular disease
• Hardening of the arteries
• Arterial plaque buildup
• Coronary artery disease
• Vascular sclerosis