Atheroembolism of other site

This code signifies the presence of an atheroembolism, which is a blockage caused by cholesterol crystals or other debris breaking off from an atherosclerotic plaque and traveling to a distant site, excluding the retina, kidney, or extremities. It represents a systemic embolic event originating from atherosclerotic disease, affecting various organs or tissues not specified by more granular codes.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates an atheroembolic event affecting an anatomical site other than those specifically coded elsewhere (e.g., retina, kidney, extremities). This often occurs following invasive vascular procedures or spontaneously in patients with severe atherosclerosis. Supporting documentation should specify the embolic nature and the affected "other" site.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "atheroembolism" or "cholesterol embolism" and specifies a site not covered by more specific codes (e.g., I75.0, I75.1, I75.81).
• Do not use this code for emboli of other origins (e.g., thrombus, fat, air); those have different code assignments.
• Sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis when the primary reason for the encounter is the manifestation of the atheroembolism (e.g., organ dysfunction).