AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2007 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 AND 2 NEW/REVISED CODES
Chronic Total Occlusion of Artery of the Extremities
Effective October 1, 2007, code 440.4, Chronic total occlusion of artery of the extremities, has been created to allow for more specific coding of this condition. A chronic total occlusion of artery of the extremities develops when hard-calcified plaque accumulates in an artery, over an extended period of time, resulting in a clinically significant decrease in blood flow. Approximately 40% of patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) present initially with partial occlusion, which progresses to a chronic total occlusion. The arteries often form bypass collateral systems, but collaterals may not totally compensate. Symptoms can vary, especially in relation...
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Article Overview
This article covers a diagnosis coding update for chronic total occlusion of the arteries of the extremities, including when the code was created and how it relates to atherosclerosis of the extremities and peripheral vascular disease. It is relevant to coders, billers, CDI staff, and clinicians who need to understand the scope of the condition, the associated coding context, and the broader vascular disease terminology discussed in the update.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers identify when this vascular condition has its own diagnosis code and understand the surrounding classification context in a way that supports accurate medical record interpretation and coding review.
Article Sections
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Coding update and clinical overview
Introduces the condition and explains the update period when the new diagnosis code was added. Provides a broad clinical overview of the vascular condition and its relationship to peripheral arterial disease.
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Relationship to atherosclerosis of the extremities
Describes how the condition is discussed in connection with atherosclerosis of the extremities and related diagnostic coding context. Summarizes the broader classification framework referenced in the article.
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Code notes and exclusions
Presents the relevant diagnosis code references, add-on guidance, and exclusion language included in the update. This section reflects the coding context without reproducing detailed instructions.
What You Will Learn
- The general purpose of the coding update for chronic total occlusion of the arteries of the extremities
- How the condition is discussed in relation to atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease
- What related code families and exclusion context are referenced in the article
- The timing of the update and the scope of the new diagnosis code
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation improvement staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Healthcare providers documenting vascular disease
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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