Athscl autol vein bypass of extrm w intrmt claud, unsp extrm

This code describes the hardening and narrowing of an autologous vein graft (a blood vessel taken from the patient's own body and used for bypass) in the extremities, leading to pain, cramping, or weakness in the legs during exercise that is relieved by rest (intermittent claudication). This condition indicates a failure or complication of a previous bypass procedure.

Use this code when documentation specifies atherosclerosis affecting an autologous vein bypass graft in an extremity, and the patient presents with symptoms of intermittent claudication. The documentation must explicitly state "autologous vein bypass graft" and "intermittent claudication."

• Ensure the documentation specifies "autologous vein bypass graft" as opposed to other graft types (e.g., nonautologous, in situ).
• Confirm the presence of "intermittent claudication" as the symptom; other symptoms like rest pain or ulceration would lead to different codes.
• This code is for an unspecified extremity; if the laterality (left or right) is documented, a more specific code should be selected.