I70.638 — Atherosclerosis of nonbiological bypass graft(s) of the right leg with ulceration of other part of lower leg
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
No active coverage policies found for this code (low confidence)
Documentation Required
- The medical record must clearly document that the coverage indications, limitations, and medical necessity criteria in L37228 Wound Care have been met for any billed wound care item or service.
- Documentation must support the specific CPT/HCPCS code(s) billed, including procedure details, depth and surface area for debridement codes, and rationale for the service.
- When hydrotherapy (whirlpool) is billed with CPT 97597 or 97598, the record must state why hydrotherapy was necessary to remove devitalized/necrotic tissue and that a therapist's skill was required to perform the service.
- If CPT 97597 or 97598 is billed by a therapist while the patient is under a Home Health benefit, coverage depends on inclusion in the Home Health plan of care; if billed by a physician or non-physician practitioner it is paid under Part B even if the beneficiary has an active Home Health plan.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Traditional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices, units, and supplies are covered under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit when they meet DME LCD coverage criteria and medical necessity.
- CPT codes 97597, 97598, and wound debridement codes 11042-11047 may be covered when the medical record documents medical necessity consistent with L37228 Wound Care criteria and Medicare reasonable-and-necessary requirements.
- Foot care services are covered when the beneficiary has a listed systemic condition that justifies coverage per Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Pub.100-02, Ch.15, Section 290.4D.
- For diagnosis codes designated by an asterisk, the patient must be under the active care of an M.D. or D.O., documented as having been seen for the complicating disease within the 6 months prior to service.
- Claims asserting presumptive coverage must include a systemic-condition diagnosis from IOM 100-02 Ch.15 Section 290 Group 1 and a valid billing modifier Q7, Q8, or Q9.
- Mycotic nail debridement is covered when mycotic nails are present in the context of a systemic disease with class findings and the appropriate Q modifier on the claim.
20 Active Policies
L35998 — Non-Coronary Vascular Stents
J05
A57593 — Billing and Coding: Non-Invasive Peripheral Arterial Vascular Studies
J05
L37228 — Wound Care
J05
A55909 — Billing and Coding: Wound Care
J05
A56232 — Billing and Coding: Foot Care
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.