Generalized and unspecified atherosclerosis

This code represents a widespread hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup, affecting multiple arterial beds throughout the body, without specific mention of a particular site. It indicates a systemic atherosclerotic process that is not localized to a single organ or limb.

Use this code when documentation indicates generalized atherosclerosis or atherosclerosis affecting multiple, unspecified sites. This is appropriate when the physician explicitly states "generalized atherosclerosis" or "atherosclerosis, unspecified" without further detail regarding specific arterial involvement.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific site of atherosclerosis is documented (e.g., coronary, cerebral, peripheral).
• This code should be used sparingly, as ICD-9-CM encourages specificity whenever possible.
• Review documentation carefully for any mention of specific arterial involvement before assigning this generalized code.