I70.712
BillableAtherosclerosis of other type of bypass graft(s) of the extremities with intermittent claudication, left leg
HCC Category Mapping
What This Code Means
Plaque buildup in non-synthetic bypass grafts of the left leg causing leg pain or cramping during walking (intermittent claudication).
Coding Tips
- •Document the presence of claudication symptoms and confirm left leg laterality
- •This code is more specific than I70.702 and indicates functional impairment
Clinical Significance
This code captures atherosclerosis affecting other type bypass graft(s) of the extremities with intermittent claudication in the left lower extremity, representing Fontaine Stage II peripheral arterial disease. Claudication in the context of bypass graft atherosclerosis indicates graft stenosis or progressive native vessel disease causing reproducible exercise-induced muscle pain. While less immediately threatening than rest pain or gangrene, this signals graft compromise requiring surveillance duplex imaging and potential intervention.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Confirmed diagnosis of atherosclerosis affecting other type bypass graft(s)
- ✓Type of bypass graft material documented (synthetic/nonbiological vs. other type such as composite or mixed-material graft)
- ✓Laterality clearly documented (left lower extremity)
- ✓History of bypass graft surgery with approximate date or timeframe
- ✓Current status and monitoring plan for the bypass graft
- ✓Documentation of exercise-induced muscle pain with specific walking distance or duration before onset
- ✓Relief of symptoms with rest and reproduction with activity
- ✓Vascular studies (ankle-brachial index at rest and post-exercise) confirming arterial etiology
- ✓Differentiation from spinal stenosis (neurogenic claudication) and other causes of leg pain with activity