Athscl native arteries of extremities w rest pain, right leg

This code signifies a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) affecting the native arteries of the right leg, characterized by significant atherosclerotic plaque buildup. The defining symptom is rest pain, indicating critical limb ischemia where blood flow is insufficient even at rest.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly indicates atherosclerosis in the native arteries of the right lower extremity, and the patient experiences pain in that leg while at rest. Supporting documentation should include physician notes detailing the location of atherosclerosis, the presence of rest pain, and diagnostic findings confirming arterial insufficiency.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "rest pain" and not just claudication, as this differentiates it from less severe forms of PAD.
• Verify the laterality; this code is specific to the right leg. Use I70.222 for the left leg or I70.223 for bilateral involvement.
• Do not use this code if the atherosclerosis is in a bypass graft; different codes apply for graft involvement.