ICD-10 Code I70.438 – Atherosclerosis of autologous vein bypass graft(s) of the right leg with ulceration of other part of lower leg (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I70.438 – Atherosclerosis of autologous vein bypass graft(s) of the right leg with ulceration of other part of lower leg
What it is
This code identifies atherosclerotic narrowing or blockage in an autologous vein bypass graft in the right leg, with an associated ulcer on another part of the lower leg. Use it when the graft disease and ulcer are both documented.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include reduced leg perfusion, graft stenosis or occlusion, and a lower-leg ulcer that is described as ischemic or related to peripheral arterial disease.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents atherosclerosis affecting an autologous vein bypass graft in the right leg and a concurrent ulcer of the lower leg. The ulcer location should be supported in the record as “other part of lower leg,” not heel or toe.
If laterality, graft type, or ulcer site is unclear, check documentation before coding. Assign the code only when both the bypass graft disease and ulceration are specifically linked in the chart.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for native artery atherosclerosis, prosthetic graft disease, or ulcers on the heel or toe. Check documentation if the ulcer is traumatic, venous, diabetic, or otherwise unrelated.
Coding tip
Verify the right leg, autologous vein graft, and exact ulcer site together; missing one detail can lead to an incorrect I70.43- code.