I82.220

Billable

Acute embolism and thrombosis of inferior vena cava

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

A sudden blood clot that forms in the inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart.

Coding Tips

•Confirm acute presentation and differentiate from chronic thrombosis (I82.221)
•Document location specificity and any precipitating factors such as surgery, trauma, or malignancy

Clinical Significance

Acute inferior vena cava thrombosis is a serious vascular emergency that can cause bilateral lower extremity swelling, renal compromise, and carries a high risk of pulmonary embolism. The IVC is the largest vein in the body, and thrombosis here reflects severe vascular disease with significant morbidity and mortality risk. Accurate capture ensures appropriate risk stratification for these critically ill patients.

Documentation Requirements

✓Clinical diagnosis of venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis clearly documented by the treating provider
✓Diagnostic confirmation via duplex ultrasonography, CT venography, MR venography, or venography with imaging findings described
✓Current treatment plan including anticoagulation regimen with specific medication, dose, and duration
✓Documentation of acute onset with date of symptom onset or diagnosis establishing the acute nature
✓Documentation of any associated central venous devices, malignancy, or precipitating factors
✓Documentation of bilateral lower extremity involvement and any renal function impact

Commonly Confused Codes

I82.210/I82.211 — Superior vena cava thrombosis; involves the SVC returning blood from the upper body, not the IVC I82.3 — Renal vein thrombosis; clot may extend to IVC but specific renal vein involvement should be coded separately I82.421-I82.429 — Iliac vein thrombosis; involves pelvic veins that drain into the IVC I26.- — Pulmonary embolism; may result from IVC thrombus but is a separate diagnosis I82.221 — Chronic IVC thrombosis; verify acute vs. chronic timeline

Code Hierarchy

└I82Other venous embolism and thrombosis └I82.2Embolism and thrombosis of vena cava and other thoracic veins └I82.22Embolism and thrombosis of inferior vena cava └I82.220Acute embolism and thrombosis of inferior vena cava

└I82.220Acute embolism and thrombosis of inferior vena cava