I75.013

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

Cholesterol crystals or plaque fragments break loose from arteries and lodge in blood vessels of both arms simultaneously.

Coding Tips

• •Only use when documentation explicitly states bilateral involvement
• •Consider if patient has systemic atherosclerotic disease affecting multiple sites

Clinical Significance

Atheroembolism of bilateral upper extremities indicates widespread cholesterol embolization affecting both arms, signifying severe proximal atherosclerotic disease, often of the aortic arch. Bilateral involvement suggests a more extensive embolic shower and typically carries a worse prognosis than unilateral disease. This presentation often follows vascular procedures or anticoagulation initiation.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation of bilateral upper extremity atheroembolism
• ✓Clinical findings in both upper extremities
• ✓Source of atherosclerotic disease (aortic arch, proximal vessels)
• ✓Precipitating event (vascular procedure, catheterization, anticoagulation)
• ✓Systemic involvement assessment (renal, gastrointestinal, skin)
• ✓Treatment plan addressing both local extremity care and systemic disease

Commonly Confused Codes