ICD-10-CM Billable Code

I70.1

Atherosclerosis of renal artery

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Inclusion Terms

  • Goldblatt's kidney

Excludes Type 2

  • atherosclerosis of renal arterioles (I12.-)

Medical Intelligence & Overview

Atherosclerosis of the renal artery is a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits, known as plaques, within the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. This can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing kidney-related problems. Also known as Goldblatt's kidney, this condition is a form of renovascular hypertension and can have significant implications for overall health if left untreated. It primarily affects adults, especially those with other cardiovascular risk factors.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Progressive buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits within arterial walls Chronic high blood pressure contributing to arterial damage Aging, which increases the likelihood of arterial plaque formation Lifestyle factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise Genetic predisposition to arterial disease Other conditions like diabetes mellitus that accelerate atherosclerosis

Key Symptoms: High blood pressure that may be resistant to treatment Reduced kidney function or decline in renal performance Flank pain or discomfort near the affected kidney Episodes of sudden worsening of kidney function Possible signs of kidney failure in advanced cases In some cases, no noticeable symptoms until significant arterial narrowing occurs

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Doppler ultrasound to visualize blood flow in renal arteries Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) for detailed imaging of renal vessels Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) as a non-invasive alternative Renal arteriography, an invasive procedure considered the gold standard for diagnosis Blood tests to assess kidney function and overall cardiovascular health

Treatment Protocols: Blood pressure control using medications such as ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers Lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, weight management, and quitting smoking Endovascular procedures such as angioplasty with or without stent placement to open narrowed arteries Surgical interventions like renal artery bypass surgery in severe cases Monitoring kidney function regularly to detect changes early Addressing other cardiovascular risk factors including cholesterol levels and diabetes control

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is I70.1 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, I70.1 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report I70.1?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Atherosclerosis of renal artery and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

Cite this Clinical Reference