ICD-10 Code I74 – Arterial embolism and thrombosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I74 – Arterial embolism and thrombosis
What it is
I74 identifies arterial blockage caused by an embolus or thrombus. It covers obstruction of an artery that reduces or stops blood flow to the affected tissue.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary by vessel involved, but may include sudden pain, pallor, coolness, weak or absent pulses, and signs of ischemia. Check documentation for the affected artery and whether the event is embolic or thrombotic.
When to use this code
Use I74 when the provider documents arterial embolism or arterial thrombosis as the diagnosis. Apply it when the record identifies an arterial occlusion causing ischemia, including acute limb or organ ischemia if documented as arterial embolism or thrombosis.
Confirm the exact artery, laterality, and whether the condition is acute, chronic, or recurrent if stated. If the note only says “vascular occlusion” or gives unclear wording, you should query or check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for venous thrombosis, atherosclerosis, or nonspecific embolic disease without arterial involvement. If the chart does not clearly document arterial embolism or thrombosis, check documentation.
Coding tip
Look for the specific artery and the cause of obstruction in the provider note before assigning I74.