ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code for Lower-Extremity Arterial Duplex Ultrasound Ordering
Lower-extremity arterial duplex ultrasound should be ordered using the most specific ICD-10-CM diagnosis code that matches the documented clinical condition. [1] For nonspecific suspected peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities, ICD-10-CM code I73.9 (Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified) is listed as an appropriate supporting diagnosis code for arterial duplex studies. [1]
Diagnosis-Code Selection Algorithm
- Atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (symptomatic or with site/specific clinical descriptors documented)
-
Use I70.2x- series codes for atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities (examples in the supporting-code list include intermittent claudication and rest pain, with laterality such as left, right, or bilateral legs). [1]
-
Unspecified peripheral vascular disease
- Use I73.9 when specificity is not documented. [1]
Most Common Broad Supporting Option
I73.9 (Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified) is explicitly identified for reporting in the setting of lower-extremity arterial duplex ordering. [1]
Monotherapy vs Combination Coding
Only the diagnosis code that best matches the documented indication should be used for the duplex order. [1]
Important Clarifications
The code selected must be supported by the submitted medical record. [1] Use of a more specific code (for example, an I70.2x- atherosclerosis subcode) is supported when the clinical documentation provides the needed laterality and clinical descriptor (such as intermittent claudication, rest pain, ulceration, or gangrene). [1]
Targets or Goals of Therapy
No therapeutic target is defined by the ICD-10 code selection for ordering duplex ultrasound. [1]
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Using a diagnosis code that is not supported by documentation is not aligned with CMS billing requirements for duplex-ultrasound claims. [1]
- Failing to select the highest level of ICD-10-CM specificity available is inconsistent with the CMS coding guidance for arterial duplex studies. [1]