ICD-10 Code I75.029 – Atheroembolism of unspecified lower extremity (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I75.029 – Atheroembolism of unspecified lower extremity
What it is
This code identifies atheroembolism affecting an unspecified lower extremity. It means cholesterol or atherosclerotic debris has traveled from a diseased artery and blocked blood flow in a leg, but the specific side is not documented.
Clinical signs
Findings may include sudden pain, coolness, pallor, diminished pulses, or tissue ischemia in the leg. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the affected limb and whether the event is acute or chronic.
When to use this code
Use I75.029 when the provider documents atheroembolism in a lower extremity and does not specify right or left. It is appropriate for charted cholesterol embolic disease or embolic ischemia of the leg when the lower limb is the documented site. If the record names a different artery or a more specific laterality, code that detail instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for embolism or thrombosis caused by a clot, or for limb ischemia without documented atheroembolism. Check documentation if the site is not a lower extremity or if laterality is specified.
Coding tip
Assign the unspecified code only when the record clearly supports a lower-extremity atheroembolism but leaves the side undocumented.