tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2012 Issue 1
Reader Question: Identify 'Extremity' to Find Correct Code
Question: What is the correct diagnosis code for popliteal artery stenosis?North Carolina SubscriberAnswer: You should look to 440.2x (Atherosclerosis of native arteries of the extremities). The popliteal artery is an extension of the femoral artery and bifurcates into the tibial arteries. That places the popliteal arteries in the lower extremities. Code 440.2x applies to arteries in the extremities, so you know you're on the right track.Look in the ICD-9 index under "Stenosis; artery; extremity," and the entry will point you to 440.20 (Atherosclerosis of native arteries of the extremities unspecified). When you turn...
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