Chronic total occlusion of artery of the extremities

This code signifies a complete and persistent blockage of an artery in the upper or lower limbs, indicating a long-standing and irreversible obstruction to blood flow. This chronic occlusion often leads to severe ischemia and can result in claudication, rest pain, or tissue loss.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a "chronic total occlusion" or "CTO" of a peripheral artery, such as the femoral, popliteal, or tibial arteries. Supporting documentation should include diagnostic imaging (e.g., angiogram, duplex ultrasound) confirming the complete and persistent nature of the arterial blockage.

• Differentiate from acute arterial occlusion, which has a distinct code.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "total" occlusion; partial occlusions are coded differently.
• Consider sequencing this code with codes for any associated complications, such as gangrene or ulceration.