ICD-10 Code I70.538 – Atherosclerosis of nonautologous biological 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 I70.538 – Atherosclerosis of nonautologous biological bypass graft(s) of the right leg with ulceration of other part of lower leg
What it is
This code identifies plaque buildup in a nonautologous biological bypass graft in the right leg, with an ulcer located on another part of the lower leg. It reflects graft disease plus a documented ulcer complication.
Clinical signs
Look for documentation of peripheral arterial disease affecting a bypass graft, along with a lower-leg ulcer that is tied to impaired blood flow. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record states atherosclerosis of a nonautologous biological bypass graft in the right leg and also documents ulceration of the lower leg. The ulcer must be part of the coded condition, not a separate unrelated wound. If the site or graft type is unclear, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use it for native-vessel atherosclerosis, grafts in another limb, or ulcers without documented graft-related atherosclerosis. Do not assume the ulcer location or graft type; check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify both the right-leg graft involvement and the ulcer site in the note before coding.