Thromboangiitis obliterans [Buerger's disease]

This code represents Thromboangiitis obliterans, also known as Buerger's disease, a rare inflammatory disease of the small and medium-sized arteries and veins in the arms and legs. It leads to blockages and can cause pain, tissue damage, and gangrene, primarily affecting young to middle-aged adult smokers.

Use this code for patients diagnosed with Buerger's disease, typically presenting with ischemic symptoms in the extremities such as claudication, rest pain, or non-healing ulcers. Documentation should clearly state the diagnosis of Thromboangiitis obliterans, often supported by angiographic findings or biopsy results.

• Ensure documentation specifies "Thromboangiitis obliterans" or "Buerger's disease" to differentiate from other peripheral vascular diseases.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the main reason for the encounter.
• Do not confuse with other forms of vasculitis or atherosclerosis, which have distinct ICD-9-CM codes.