Embolism due to vascular prosth dev/grft, initial encounter

This code signifies the formation of a blood clot that travels and obstructs a blood vessel, directly resulting from the presence of an artificial blood vessel, implant, or graft. This represents an acute, initial presentation of such an embolic event.

Apply this code when a patient presents with symptoms of an embolism (e.g., limb ischemia, stroke, pulmonary embolism) and diagnostic imaging or clinical assessment confirms the embolism originated from a recently placed or existing vascular prosthetic device. This is appropriate for the initial hospitalization or encounter where the embolism is first diagnosed and treated.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the embolism to the vascular prosthetic device.
• Always assign an additional code for the specific type of embolism (e.g., I74.3 for embolism and thrombosis of arteries of the lower extremities).
• Use a secondary code to identify the specific vascular prosthetic device if known and not already captured by another diagnosis.