Athscl autol vein bypass of right leg w ulcer of unsp site

This code signifies the presence of atherosclerosis affecting a vein graft that was previously implanted in the right leg, specifically when this condition has led to ulceration. It describes a complication of bypass surgery where the autologous vein graft itself has developed plaque buildup, resulting in tissue breakdown. The ulceration site is not specified.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates atherosclerotic changes within an autologous vein bypass graft in the right leg, accompanied by an ulcer. This typically occurs in patients with a history of peripheral artery bypass surgery using their own vein, who subsequently develop graft failure manifested by ulceration. Supporting documentation includes operative reports detailing the bypass, vascular studies confirming graft atherosclerosis, and wound care notes describing the ulcer.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "autologous vein bypass graft" and not a synthetic or other type of graft.
• Verify the laterality is explicitly "right leg"; if left or bilateral, a different code is required.
• This code requires the presence of ulceration; if only atherosclerosis of the graft is present without ulceration, a different code should be selected.