Athscl autol vein bypass of the extrm w rest pain, oth extrm

This code describes the hardening and narrowing of an autologous (patient's own) vein graft used to bypass an arterial blockage in an extremity, specifically when the patient experiences rest pain. This indicates significant compromise of blood flow through the graft, leading to ischemic pain even at rest.

Use this code when documentation confirms atherosclerosis affecting a previously placed autologous vein bypass graft in an arm or leg, and the patient's primary symptom is rest pain. This typically occurs in patients with advanced peripheral artery disease who have undergone bypass surgery. Documentation should specify "autologous vein graft" and "rest pain" in an "other extremity" (not specified as right or left).

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "autologous vein bypass graft" and not a synthetic or other type of graft.
• Confirm the presence of "rest pain" as the specific symptom; claudication alone would require a different code.
• This code is for "other extremity," meaning the laterality (right or left) is not specified or is bilateral. If laterality is known, a more specific code should be used.