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ICD-10 Coding for Blister(S90.821A, S30.824A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Blister. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

VesicleBulla

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Blister

Injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis and external genitals

Includes codes for blisters in the genital area, such as S30.824A for vaginal/vulvar blisters.

S90-S99Primary Range

Injuries to the ankle and foot

Primary range for coding blisters on the foot, such as S90.821A for right foot blisters.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S90.821ABlister (nonthermal) of right foot, initial encounterUse when documenting a nonthermal blister on the right foot during the initial encounter.
  • Right foot location specified
  • Documentation of 'initial encounter'
  • Exclusion of thermal causes
S30.824ABlister (nonthermal) of vagina and vulva, initial encounterUse when documenting a nonthermal blister in the vaginal or vulvar area during the initial encounter.
  • Vulvar/vaginal involvement confirmed
  • Non-traumatic mechanism stated

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for blister

Essential facts and insights about Blister

In ICD-10, blisters are coded based on location and cause, such as S90.821A for a nonthermal blister on the right foot.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for blister

Blister (nonthermal) of right foot, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a nonthermal blister on the right foot

Applicable To

  • Blister of right foot

Excludes

  • Thermal blisters

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Right foot location specified
  • Documentation of 'initial encounter'
  • Exclusion of thermal causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Omission of laterality
  • Incorrect sequencing with diabetes codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented and nonthermal cause is confirmed.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Exposure to other specified factors

X58
Use for post-surgical blisters requiring external cause codes.

Health service area as the place of occurrence

Y92.2-
Use for blisters occurring in a healthcare setting.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Other specified disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue

L98.8
Used for skin ulcers, not blisters.

Abrasion of knee

S80.81-
Used for abrasions, not blisters.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Blister to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S90.821A.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failures., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates to ensure consistency., Regularly review documentation for accuracy.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the laterality of the blister (right, left, bilateral).

Impact

Use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific details such as laterality and cause.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Blister, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Blister

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Blister. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Podiatry Progress Note

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Location
  • Size
  • Etiology
  • Associated Factors
  • Treatment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Location:** Right plantar foot **Size:** 3cm, intact **Etiology:** Friction from new shoes **Associated Factors:** Diabetes **Treatment:** Unna boot applied **Plan:** Offloading strategy implemented

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Blister on foot noted
Good Documentation Example
3cm nonthermal blister, right plantar foot, initial encounter. Patient reports new ill-fitting shoes. No signs of infection.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the blister's size, location, cause, and encounter type, improving documentation quality.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Blister? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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