Unsp athscl native arteries of extremities, bilateral legs

This code signifies the presence of hardening and narrowing of the native arteries in both lower extremities due to plaque buildup, without further specification of the exact location within the legs or the type of atherosclerosis. It indicates a generalized atherosclerotic process affecting both legs.

Use this code when documentation confirms atherosclerosis in both lower limbs, but the specific artery (e.g., femoral, popliteal, tibial) is not identified, or the laterality is not specified beyond "bilateral legs." This code is appropriate when the provider has not documented the specific type of atherosclerosis (e.g., with intermittent claudication, with rest pain).

• Avoid using this code if more specific anatomical locations (e.g., femoral, popliteal) or laterality (e.g., right leg, left leg) are documented.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "bilateral legs" or implies involvement of both lower extremities.
• Do not use this code if the atherosclerosis is specified as affecting a bypass graft; use codes from subcategory I70.3- instead.