ICD-10 Code I70.269 – Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene, unspecified extremity (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I70.269 – Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene, unspecified extremity
What it is
This code identifies atherosclerosis in a native artery of an extremity when gangrene is present, but the affected extremity is not specified. Use it for arterial plaque disease severe enough to cause tissue death.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include limb ischemia with gangrenous tissue, such as black, dry, or necrotic areas. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the affected limb and severity details.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents atherosclerosis of a native artery in an arm or leg with gangrene and does not specify the extremity. It fits cases where the record clearly links the gangrene to peripheral arterial disease. If laterality is documented, choose the more specific code instead.
Do not use for
Do not use it for gangrene without documented atherosclerosis, or for disease in bypass grafts or other non-native vessels. Check documentation if the extremity, vessel type, or cause is unclear.
Coding tip
Confirm both the native artery involvement and the gangrene, then code the most specific extremity information available.