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

This code signifies the presence of atherosclerosis affecting a patient's own (autologous) vein graft(s) located in the left leg, complicated by an ulceration at an unspecified site. This condition indicates a failure or deterioration of the bypass graft due to plaque buildup, leading to compromised blood flow and tissue breakdown.

Use this code when documentation confirms atherosclerotic changes within an autologous vein bypass graft in the left lower extremity, accompanied by an ulcer. This typically occurs in patients with a history of peripheral artery disease who have undergone bypass surgery using their own vein, and are now presenting with graft failure and skin breakdown. The ulcer site must be documented as unspecified.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "autologous vein bypass graft" and "left leg."
• Verify that the ulceration is due to the atherosclerosis of the graft, not another etiology.
• If the ulcer site is specified (e.g., ankle, foot), a more specific code from the I70.44- series should be used.