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ICD-10 Coding for Left Foot Gangrene(E11.52, I70.262, I96)

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

Also known as:

Gangrene of the left footNecrosis of the left foot

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Foot Gangrene

E11.5-E11.6Primary Range

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with complications

Primary range for diabetic gangrene affecting the left foot.

Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities

Relevant for gangrene due to atherosclerosis in the left leg.

Gangrene, not elsewhere classified

Used when gangrene is not specified as diabetic or atherosclerotic.

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified

Used for ulcers with necrosis in the left foot.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E11.52Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangreneUse when gangrene is directly linked to diabetes.
  • Documented diabetes with gangrene
  • HbA1c >9%
  • Presence of neuropathy
I70.262Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene, left legUse when gangrene is due to atherosclerosis.
  • Documented atherosclerosis with gangrene
  • ABI <0.4
I96Gangrene, not elsewhere classifiedUse when gangrene is not specified as diabetic or atherosclerotic.
  • Gangrene without specified underlying cause

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 left foot gangrene

Essential facts and insights about Left Foot Gangrene

The ICD-10 code for left foot gangrene varies: E11.52 for diabetic, I70.262 for atherosclerotic, and I96 for unspecified causes.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left foot gangrene

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene

Applicable To

  • Diabetic gangrene

Excludes

  • Gangrene not due to diabetes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented diabetes with gangrene
  • HbA1c >9%
  • Presence of neuropathy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding gangrene not related to diabetes.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation links gangrene to diabetes explicitly.

Ancillary Codes

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

Non-pressure ulcer of lower limb with necrosis

L97.5-
Use to specify ulcer severity and necrosis extent.

Differential Codes

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

Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with gangrene, left leg

I70.262
Use when gangrene is due to atherosclerosis, not diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene

E11.52
Use when gangrene is due to diabetes, not atherosclerosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Foot Gangrene to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E11.52.

Impact

Clinical: Misinterpretation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide detailed descriptions of gangrene's cause and extent., Use specific ICD-10 codes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use E11.52 for diabetic gangrene.

Impact

Improper sequencing can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure gangrene is coded first when related to pressure ulcers.

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 Foot Gangrene, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Foot Gangrene

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

Diabetic gangrene with ulcer

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Location and extent of gangrene
  • Underlying cause
  • Imaging and lab results

Example Documentation

Patient with Type 2 DM presents with necrotic left great toe and plantar abscess. Angiography shows occlusion of left posterior tibial artery. MRI confirms osteomyelitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left foot gangrene, needs amputation.
Good Documentation Example
Type 2 DM with gangrene of left forefoot secondary to PAD; ABI 0.3, MRI shows osteomyelitis of 3rd metatarsal. Non-reconstructable vascular disease.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the underlying cause, extent, and diagnostic findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Foot Gangrene? Ask your questions below.

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