ICD-10 Coding for Left Foot Infection(E11.621, L03.115, M86.072)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Foot Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Left Foot Infection
E11.6-E11.9Primary Range
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with complications
Includes codes for diabetic foot ulcers which are common in left foot infections.
Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis
Covers cellulitis of the left foot, a common manifestation of foot infections.
Osteomyelitis
Includes codes for osteomyelitis, which can occur in severe left foot infections.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E11.621 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer | Use when a diabetic patient presents with a foot ulcer. |
|
| L03.115 | Cellulitis of left lower limb | Use for cellulitis of the left foot without diabetic ulcer. |
|
| M86.072 | Chronic osteomyelitis of left foot | Use when chronic osteomyelitis is confirmed in the left foot. |
|
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 infection
Essential facts and insights about Left Foot Infection
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left foot infection
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of a diabetic foot ulcer
Applicable To
- Diabetic foot ulcer
Excludes
- Pressure ulcer of left foot
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented diabetes diagnosis
- Presence of foot ulcer with depth to fascia, muscle, or bone
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding without specifying ulcer depth
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the ulcer's depth and diabetic status.
L03.115 - Cellulitis of left lower limb
Use for cellulitis of the left foot without diabetic ulcer.
Applicable To
- Cellulitis of the left foot
Excludes
- Diabetic foot ulcer
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Erythema extending >2cm beyond ulcer margin
- Warmth and swelling
Coding Notes
Ensure laterality is documented as 'left'.
M86.072 - Chronic osteomyelitis of left foot
Use when chronic osteomyelitis is confirmed in the left foot.
Applicable To
- Chronic osteomyelitis of the left foot
Excludes
- Acute osteomyelitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing cortical destruction
- Bone biopsy confirming infection
Coding Notes
Document imaging and biopsy results clearly.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Cellulitis of left lower limb
L03.115Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Foot Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E11.621.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Fails to meet coding standards, Financial: Results in denied claims
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific terms like 'erythema' and 'purulent discharge', Include diagnostic test results
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect reimbursement due to incomplete coding, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate data on diabetic complications
Mitigation Strategy
Always pair with E11.621 for diabetic foot ulcers.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential denial due to unspecified laterality, Compliance: Failure to meet documentation standards, Data Quality: Ambiguous data affecting patient records
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'left' or 'right' for cellulitis.
Impact
Inaccurate coding due to insufficient documentation of ulcer characteristics.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure comprehensive documentation of ulcer size, depth, and diabetes status.
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 Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Left Foot Infection
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Foot Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Infected diabetic foot ulcer
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- Ulcer size and depth
- Presence of erythema and purulent discharge
- Diabetes management details
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Osteomyelitis in diabetic patient
Specialty: Infectious DiseaseRequired Elements
- Imaging results
- Biopsy findings
- Diabetes control status
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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