ICD-10 Code I75.02 – Atheroembolism of lower extremity (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I75.02 – Atheroembolism of lower extremity
What it is
I75.02 identifies atheroembolism affecting the lower extremity, meaning cholesterol or plaque material has broken off from a larger artery and traveled to leg vessels. Use it when the record clearly documents this embolic process.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include acute limb ischemia, pain, diminished pulses, skin color changes, or tissue injury in the affected leg.
When to use this code
Use I75.02 when the provider documents atheroembolism or cholesterol embolization to the lower extremity. It may appear after vascular procedures or with known atherosclerotic disease, but you should code only when the diagnosis is stated or clearly supported.
If the note describes embolism without specifying atherosclerotic origin or location, check documentation. Code the most specific site and cause available.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for general peripheral arterial disease, thrombosis, or embolism of unspecified origin. If the chart does not confirm atheroembolic disease in the lower extremity, check documentation.
Coding tip
Look for explicit wording such as “atheroembolism” or “cholesterol emboli” and the affected leg side if documented.