The primary ICD-10-CM code for peripheral vascular disease is I73.9 (Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified), a billable code reported when peripheral vascular disease is documented without further specification of the underlying type or cause.
Primary codes
Code comparison
Compare key differences between related codes to select the most specific option.
Select the most specific code supported by the encounter documentation. More specific codes improve reimbursement accuracy and reduce audit risk.
Code ranges
Other peripheral vascular diseases
Peripheral vascular disorders including Raynaud's syndrome, acrocyanosis, erythromelalgia, and unspecified peripheral vascular disease of the extremities.
Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries
Conditions affecting arteries and smaller vessels, including atherosclerosis, aneurysms, embolism, and other peripheral vascular disorders.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis of aorta, native arteries, bypass grafts, and extremities, often with claudication, rest pain, ulceration, or gangrene.
Varicose veins of lower extremities
Venous disorders of the lower limbs with or without ulcer or inflammation, distinct from arterial peripheral vascular disease.
Diabetes with peripheral circulatory complications
Diabetes mellitus categories with documented peripheral angiopathy or circulatory complications affecting the extremities.
Coding risks
Avoid these common coding issues when reporting Peripheral Vascular Disease.
Impact
Assigning I73.9 without clarifying etiology may miscode as atherosclerosis of native arteries (I70.2-).
Mitigation
Consider querying the provider when etiology is absent rather than inferring from claudication symptoms or imaging alone.
Related codes
Ancillary and co-coding
Codes commonly reported with the primary diagnosis on the same claim.
Z-code variants
Family history, personal history, or screening encounter codes related to this condition.
Differential codes
Alternative or commonly confused codes to consider when documentation suggests a different condition than the primary diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Use I73.9 only when the chart documents PVD without specifying atherosclerosis, Raynaud's, or Buerger's. Specific etiology codes take precedence whenever documented.
References
Compiled from the following authoritative coding references. Last updated 2026-05-15.