I82.539
BillableChronic embolism and thrombosis of unspecified popliteal vein
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 267 — Vascular Disease
0.356V24HCC 108 — Vascular Disease
0.297ESRDHCC 108 — Vascular Disease
0.000RxHCCHCC 215 — Pulmonary Embolism and Other Vascular Disease
0.000What This Code Means
A blood clot that has formed and persists in a popliteal vein (vein behind the knee), with the specific side not specified.
Coding Tips
- •Use this code only when laterality is not documented; if left or right is specified, use the more specific bilateral or unilateral codes.
- •Popliteal vein thrombosis is clinically significant and may require anticoagulation therapy documentation.
Clinical Significance
Chronic popliteal vein thrombosis involves a persistent clot in the major vein behind the knee, which serves as the transition point between proximal and distal deep venous systems. This location is clinically significant because popliteal vein thrombosis carries meaningful risk of post-thrombotic syndrome and may impair venous return from the entire lower leg. Accurate documentation of chronic popliteal vein thrombosis is important for capturing vascular disease complexity in risk adjustment.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Provider documentation explicitly stating 'chronic' deep vein thrombosis (not assumed from duration of treatment)
- ✓Clinical evidence supporting the diagnosis such as duplex ultrasound, venography, or other imaging results
- ✓Specific vein location documented (e.g., popliteal)
- ✓Query provider for laterality (right, left, or bilateral) when not documented
- ✓Current treatment plan including anticoagulation therapy and duration
- ✓Assessment and monitoring notes demonstrating the condition is being actively managed
- ✓Documentation of chronicity such as 'chronic,' 'old,' 'long-standing,' or history of prior acute deep vein thrombosis that has transitioned to chronic status
Commonly Confused Codes
I82.439 — Acute embolism and thrombosis of popliteal vein; verify documentation states chronic, not acuteI82.54- — Chronic embolism and thrombosis of tibial vein; the tibial vein is more distal than the popliteal; confirm exact locationI82.51- — Chronic embolism and thrombosis of femoral vein; the femoral vein is more proximal than the popliteal; confirm anatomical siteI87.01- — Postthrombotic syndrome; may develop as a complication of chronic popliteal vein thrombosis and should be coded separately
Code Hierarchy
└I82Other venous embolism and thrombosis└I82.5Chronic embolism and thrombosis of deep veins of lower extremity└I82.53Chronic embolism and thrombosis of popliteal vein└I82.539Chronic embolism and thrombosis of unspecified popliteal vein
└I82.539Chronic embolism and thrombosis of unspecified popliteal vein