Laceration of posterior tibial artery, unsp leg, init encntr

Laceration of posterior tibial artery, unspecified leg, initial encounter

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a tear or cut in the posterior tibial artery, a major blood vessel located in the lower leg, when the specific leg (left or right) is not documented. This injury can lead to significant bleeding and compromise blood flow to the foot and ankle.

🎯When to Use

This code is appropriate for initial encounters when a patient presents with a laceration of the posterior tibial artery, and the medical record does not specify whether the injury occurred in the left or right leg. This might be due to incomplete documentation or a situation where the laterality is not yet determined.

💡Coding Tips

Only use this code when the laterality (left or right leg) is truly unspecified in the medical record.
Always strive for greater specificity; query the provider if the laterality can be determined.
Append additional codes for associated injuries, external causes, and any complications.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S85.179Laceration of posterior tibial artery, unspecified leg

S85.179A(current)

Crosswalks

904.53ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S85Injury of blood vessels at lower leg level S85.0Injury of popliteal artery S85.00Unspecified injury of popliteal artery S85.001Unspecified injury of popliteal artery, right leg S85.001AUnsp injury of popliteal artery, right leg, init encntr