I80.229

Billable

Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified popliteal vein

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 267 — Vascular Disease

0.356

V24HCC 108 — Vascular Disease

0.297

ESRDHCC 108 — Vascular Disease

0.000

RxHCCHCC 215 — Pulmonary Embolism and Other Vascular Disease

0.000

What This Code Means

This code describes inflammation of a vein in the back of the knee (popliteal vein) with a blood clot, but the specific side of the body is not documented. This is a serious condition that can cause pain, swelling, and potentially dangerous complications if the clot travels.

Coding Tips

•Always attempt to determine laterality (left vs. right leg) from clinical documentation; if specified, use I80.221 (right) or I80.222 (left) instead of the unspecified code I80.229
•Verify whether the condition is acute or chronic, as this affects code selection; also check for any associated complications like pulmonary embolism that should be coded separately

Clinical Significance

Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of the unspecified popliteal vein represents deep vein thrombosis at the junction between the proximal and distal deep venous systems. The popliteal vein is generally considered a proximal vein, and thrombosis here carries meaningful risk of pulmonary embolism. It commonly occurs in the setting of immobility, surgery, or underlying hypercoagulable states, requiring anticoagulation therapy.

Documentation Requirements

✓Duplex ultrasound confirming popliteal vein thrombosis with non-compressibility and/or visible thrombus
✓Laterality — unspecified popliteal vein documented
✓Acuity — acute, subacute, or chronic thrombosis
✓Assessment of clot extent (proximal or distal extension)
✓Evaluation for pulmonary embolism symptoms
✓Anticoagulation plan with specific agent and planned duration
✓Risk factor documentation and assessment

Commonly Confused Codes

I80.10-I80.13 — Femoral vein thrombophlebitis: more proximal vein involvement I80.23x — Tibial vein thrombophlebitis: more distal vein I87.2 — Venous insufficiency (chronic): late sequela, not acute thrombosis I80.0x — Superficial vessel thrombophlebitis: superficial, not deep M79.661-M79.669 — Pain in lower leg: symptom code, not a thrombosis diagnosis

Code Hierarchy

└I80Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis └I80.2Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of other and unspecified deep vessels of lower extremities └I80.22Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of popliteal vein └I80.229Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified popliteal vein

└I80.229Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of unspecified popliteal vein