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ICD-10 Coding for Left Above-Knee Amputation(Z89.612)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Above-Knee Amputation. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left AKALeft Above-Knee Amputation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Above-Knee Amputation

Z89.61-Z89.62Primary Range

Acquired absence of limb

This range includes codes for acquired absence of limbs, specifically focusing on the absence of the left leg above the knee.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left above-knee amputation

Essential facts and insights about Left Above-Knee Amputation

The ICD-10 code for left above-knee amputation is Z89.612, indicating the acquired absence of the left leg above the knee.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left aka

Acquired absence of left leg above knee
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented absence of left leg above knee with no active disease at the site.

documentation Criteria

  • Include laterality and level in the documentation.

Applicable To

  • Acquired absence of left leg above knee due to surgical or traumatic causes

Excludes

  • Congenital absence of limb (Q72.-)
  • Hip disarticulation (Z89.62-)
  • Below-knee amputation (Z89.51-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Operative report confirming amputation level
  • Documentation of laterality and level
  • Absence of active disease at the amputation site

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Missing causal linkage to underlying conditions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific laterality and level of amputation. Link to underlying conditions where applicable.

Ancillary Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes with diabetic peripheral angiopathy

E11.51
Use when diabetes is the underlying cause of the amputation.

Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene

I70.263
Use for amputations due to peripheral artery disease.

Differential Codes

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

Acquired absence of right leg above knee

Z89.611
Use Z89.611 for right leg above-knee amputation; ensure correct laterality is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Above-Knee Amputation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z89.612.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient history., Regulatory: Potential for coding audits., Financial: May affect reimbursement rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Link amputation to underlying conditions in documentation., Use additional codes for causative conditions.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific laterality (left or right).

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to coding errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality in EHR systems.

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 Left Above-Knee Amputation, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Above-Knee Amputation

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Above-Knee Amputation. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-operative follow-up for left AKA

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Operative report
  • Prosthetic fitting status
  • Functional assessment

Example Documentation

Patient presents for follow-up after left above-knee amputation. The residual limb is well-healed, and the patient is ambulating with a prosthetic device without complications.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has a left leg amputation.
Good Documentation Example
Acquired absence of left leg above knee (12 cm distal to femoral greater trochanter) due to PAD, status post surgical amputation 2023.
Explanation
The good example specifies the level, cause, and date of the amputation, providing complete documentation.

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