ICD-10 Coding for Left Foot Ulcer(L97.523, E11.621)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Foot Ulcer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Left Foot Ulcer
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| L97.523 | Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left foot with necrosis of muscle | Use when the ulcer involves necrosis of muscle tissue on the left foot. |
|
| E11.621 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer | Use when the ulcer is a complication of diabetes. |
|
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 ulcer
Essential facts and insights about Left Foot Ulcer
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left foot ulcer
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of muscle necrosis confirmed by imaging
Applicable To
- Ulcer with muscle necrosis
Excludes
- Pressure ulcers (L89.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI or CT showing muscle involvement
- Clinical documentation of ulcer depth
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as unspecified severity
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality and depth of necrosis are documented.
E11.621 - Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
Use when the ulcer is a complication of diabetes.
Applicable To
- Diabetic foot ulcer
Excludes
- Diabetes with other skin complications (E11.62-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- HbA1c >6.5%
- Clinical documentation linking ulcer to diabetes
Coding Notes
Always sequence diabetes code before ulcer code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Long term (current) use of insulin
Z79.4Differential 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 Ulcer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L97.523.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify left or right in documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Document and code the specific depth of necrosis.
Impact
Failure to document the link between diabetes and the ulcer.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all ulcers are documented with their etiology.
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 Ulcer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Left Foot Ulcer
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Foot Ulcer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Diabetic left foot ulcer with muscle necrosis
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- Location and size of ulcer
- Depth and tissue involvement
- Diabetes status and control
- Offloading methods
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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