I73.1
BillableThromboangiitis obliterans [Buerger's disease]
HCC Category Mapping
V24HCC 108 — Vascular Disease
0.297ESRDHCC 108 — Vascular Disease
0.000What This Code Means
Buerger's disease is a rare inflammatory condition that causes blood clots in small and medium-sized arteries and veins, typically affecting the legs and feet of young smokers.
Coding Tips
- •This condition is strongly associated with tobacco use; document smoking status in the medical record
- •Often requires additional codes for complications such as gangrene or ulceration of affected extremities
Clinical Significance
Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is an inflammatory vasculitis affecting small and medium arteries and veins, almost exclusively in young smokers. It causes segmental thrombotic occlusion leading to digital ischemia, claudication, and potentially gangrene. This relatively rare condition requires accurate coding to reflect the ongoing vascular disease burden and ensure appropriate risk adjustment.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of thromboangiitis obliterans or Buerger's disease diagnosis
- ✓Clinical findings: claudication, rest pain, digital ulceration, or gangrene
- ✓Smoking history documentation (strongly associated)
- ✓Angiographic or other imaging findings showing segmental occlusion
- ✓Exclusion of other vascular etiologies (atherosclerosis, autoimmune vasculitis)
- ✓Treatment plan including smoking cessation, vasodilators, wound care
Commonly Confused Codes
I73.9 — Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified: less specific and does not capture the inflammatory natureI70.2xx — Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities: different pathophysiology — atherosclerotic vs inflammatoryI73.01 — Raynaud's syndrome with gangrene: vasospastic rather than inflammatory thromboticM31.x — Other necrotizing vasculopathies: systemic vasculitis conditions have different codes
Code Hierarchy
└I73Other peripheral vascular diseases└I73.1Thromboangiitis obliterans [Buerger's disease]
└I73.1Thromboangiitis obliterans [Buerger's disease]