Chronic embolism and thrombosis of left axillary vein

This diagnosis code signifies a persistent or long-standing blockage within the left axillary vein due to a blood clot. This condition restricts blood flow from the left arm and can lead to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and discoloration of the extremity. It differentiates from acute events by its chronic nature, implying a longer duration or recurrent episodes.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a chronic (not acute) thrombotic or embolic event affecting the left axillary vein. This typically applies to patients presenting with ongoing symptoms related to the venous obstruction, or those with a history of such an event where the chronic nature is explicitly stated. Supporting documentation includes imaging reports (e.g., ultrasound, venography) confirming chronic thrombosis and physician notes detailing the chronicity.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" to differentiate from acute thrombosis (I82.222).
• Verify the laterality is explicitly stated as "left"; do not assume.
• Consider any underlying conditions contributing to the chronic embolism/thrombosis, such as malignancy or hypercoagulable states, and code them accordingly as secondary diagnoses.