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ICD-10 Coding for Left Foot Wound(S91.302A, L97.423)

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

Also known as:

Left Foot InjuryLeft Foot Ulcer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Foot Wound

S91.3Primary Range

Open wound of foot

This range includes codes for various types of open wounds on the foot, such as lacerations and punctures.

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

This range is used for chronic ulcers of the foot, often associated with underlying conditions like diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer

This code is used to indicate the presence of a diabetic foot ulcer, which requires coding of the underlying diabetes condition.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S91.302AUnspecified open wound of left foot, initial encounterUse for initial treatment of an unspecified open wound on the left foot.
  • Photographic evidence of wound
  • Clinical notes specifying wound type and location
L97.423Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of left midfoot with necrosis of muscleUse for chronic ulcers with muscle necrosis, often related to diabetes.
  • Biopsy confirming muscle necrosis
  • Detailed wound assessment notes

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 wound

Essential facts and insights about Left Foot Wound

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified open wound of the left foot, initial encounter, is S91.302A. For more specific wounds, codes like S91.322A for lacerations with foreign bodies may be used.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left foot wound

Unspecified open wound of left foot, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of an open wound on the left foot without specific type identified.

Applicable To

  • Laceration
  • Puncture wound

Excludes

  • Pressure ulcer
  • Diabetic ulcer

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Photographic evidence of wound
  • Clinical notes specifying wound type and location

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of denial if unspecified code is used without detailed documentation.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is specified and documented clearly.

Ancillary Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer

E11.621
Use when the wound is associated with diabetic complications.

Differential Codes

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

Pressure ulcer of left heel

L89.62-
Pressure ulcers require staging and are typically chronic.

Laceration with foreign body, left foot

S91.322A
Use for acute traumatic injuries with foreign bodies.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Foot Wound to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S91.302A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials or delays.

Mitigation Strategy

Double-check documentation for laterality, Use templates that prompt for specific details

Impact

Reimbursement: Unspecified codes may lead to claim denials., Compliance: May not meet payer requirements for specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide detailed documentation to support specific codes like laceration or puncture.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Provide detailed documentation and use specific codes whenever possible.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Foot Wound

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

Chronic diabetic ulcer on left foot

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Location and size of ulcer
  • Depth and tissue involvement
  • Presence of necrosis or infection

Example Documentation

**Location:** Left lateral midfoot, 2 cm distal to fifth metatarsal head **Dimensions:** 2.5 cm (length) × 1.8 cm (width) × 0.6 cm (depth) **Tissue:** 50% granulation, 30% slough, 20% necrotic muscle **Exudate:** Moderate serosanguinous, no odor **Edges:** Undermining at 3–6 o’clock, 1.2 cm tunneling **Peri-wound:** Erythema extending 2 cm, +2 edema **Treatment:** Sharp debridement of necrotic tissue, collagenase ointment, offloading

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
"Left foot ulcer, stage 3."
Good Documentation Example
"Stage 3 pressure ulcer, left heel, 4 cm × 3 cm × 1 cm, necrotic tissue in wound bed, no exposed bone. Patient has diabetic neuropathy (E11.40)."
Explanation
The good example provides detailed location, size, and associated conditions, supporting accurate coding.

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

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