BKA ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn about valid BKA ICD-10 codes related to Below-Knee Amputation (BKA) and when to use them.

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By Olivia Sayson on Apr 28, 2025.

Fact Checked by Gale Alagos.

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Table of content

What ICD codes are used for BKA?Are these BKA ICD codes billable?Clinical information about BKA Synonyms include FAQS

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What ICD codes are used for BKA?

While there are no codes with below-knee amputation (BKA) in their names, you can use specific BKA ICD-10 codes for BKA-related cases. Below are the relevant codes:

Z89.511 – Acquired absence of right leg below knee: This code is used for patients who have undergone an amputation of the right leg below the knee.
Z89.512 – Acquired absence of left leg below knee: Applicable for patients with an amputation of the left leg below the knee.
Z89.519 – Acquired absence of unspecified leg below knee: This code is used when the specific leg (right or left) is not documented. While using specific codes (Z89.511 or Z89.512) is preferable, Z89.519 serves as an alternative when laterality is unknown.

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Are these BKA ICD codes billable?

Yes. All three codes listed above are valid and billable.

Clinical information about BKA:

BKA, or Below-Knee Amputation, also known as transtibial amputation, is a surgical procedure performed to save the life of patients suffering from severe trauma, disease, or defects in their lower extremities.
It involves the complete removal of everything below the knee that is affected.
This procedure is necessary when poor circulation threatens the limb, potentially leading to non-healing ulcers and life-threatening infections, especially in the bones.

Synonyms include:

Amputated at knee
Amputated below knee
Amputated right lower limb
Amputated right lower limb below knee
Amputated left lower limb
Amputated left lower limb below knee
History of amputation of left and right leg through tibia and fibula
History of bilateral lower limb amputation
History of amputation of left leg through tibia and fibula
History of amputation of right leg through tibia and fibula

Popular search terms for BKA ICD codes

Several popular search terms are frequently used when researching or documenting cases related to below-knee amputation (BKA). These terms help healthcare professionals and coders find relevant ICD-10 codes and clarify documentation.

Commonly used search terms include:

Lower leg: Used to specify the general location of the amputation.
Limb post-traumatic loss: Refers to amputations caused by injury or trauma.
Congenital absence: Indicates a condition where the lower limb is missing from birth.
Amputation status postprocedural loss: Used to describe a patient’s current health status after surgical removal of the limb.
Health status: Often used when assessing or coding for long-term outcomes and disability related to limb absence.

Commonly asked questions

What is the correct diagnosis code for a patient with a missing lower limb below the knee?

The appropriate diagnosis code depends on the side of the body affected. Use Z89.511 for the right lower leg, Z89.512 for the left lower leg, and Z89.519 if the side is unspecified. These codes help identify the absence of a lower limb below the knee due to amputation.

Is there a difference between amputations at the knee and below the knee?

Yes. An amputation below the right knee or left knee involves the removal of the lower limb below that joint, preserving the knee itself. This is different from a through-knee amputation, which affects the entire joint. Accurate documentation ensures the correct diagnosis code is used.

Are foot amputations classified under the same codes as lower leg amputations?

No. Foot amputations have their own set of diagnosis codes depending on the specific location (e.g., toes, midfoot). These differ from codes that describe the absence of a lower limb, such as those involving the left lower leg or right lower leg. It’s important not to confuse foot removals with right upper or lower leg amputations.