Oth athscl native arteries of extremities, bilateral legs

This code signifies the presence of atherosclerosis affecting the native arteries of both lower extremities, excluding specific types like those with gangrene or rest pain. It indicates a generalized hardening and narrowing of the arteries in both legs due to plaque buildup, leading to impaired blood flow.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "atherosclerosis of bilateral lower extremity arteries" or similar phrasing, without mention of critical limb ischemia (e.g., gangrene, ulceration, or rest pain). This code is appropriate for patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) affecting both legs, where the specific type of atherosclerosis is not further specified.

• Ensure documentation specifies "bilateral legs" to support this code; otherwise, a unilateral code may be more appropriate.
• Distinguish from codes indicating atherosclerosis with gangrene (I70.26-) or rest pain (I70.25-); these conditions require more specific coding.
• Always review for any associated complications, such as ulceration or gangrene, as these would necessitate additional, more specific codes.