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ICD-10 Coding for Ulcer on Left Foot(E11.621, L97.523)

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

Also known as:

Diabetic Foot UlcerNon-pressure Ulcer of Left Foot

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ulcer on Left Foot

E10-E11Primary Range

Diabetes mellitus codes

Primary codes for diabetic ulcers, indicating type of diabetes and complications.

L97Primary Range

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

Specific codes for the location and severity of the ulcer on the left foot.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E11.621Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcerUse when a patient with Type 2 diabetes presents with a foot ulcer.
  • Diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes
  • Presence of foot ulcer
L97.523Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left foot with necrosis of muscleUse when the ulcer on the left foot involves necrosis of muscle.
  • Documentation of muscle necrosis
  • Ulcer location on 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 ulcer on left foot

Essential facts and insights about Ulcer on Left Foot

The ICD-10 code for a diabetic ulcer on the left foot is E11.621, with additional codes like L97.523 for specific ulcer characteristics.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ulcer on left foot

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a diabetic foot ulcer

Applicable To

  • Diabetic foot ulcer

Excludes

  • Pressure ulcer (L89.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes
  • Presence of foot ulcer

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure diabetes is documented as the cause of the ulcer.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure the ulcer is linked to diabetes in the documentation.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gangrene, not elsewhere classified

I96
Use when gangrene is present with the ulcer.

Cellulitis of left lower limb

L03.115
Use when cellulitis is present with the ulcer.

Differential Codes

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

Pressure ulcer of left heel

L89.62-
Use for ulcers caused by pressure, not diabetes.

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left foot with necrosis of bone

L97.524
Use when bone necrosis is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ulcer on Left Foot to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E11.621.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized wound assessment tools, Train staff on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document the specific severity and tissue involvement to use specific codes.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation to support specific code selection.

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 Ulcer on Left Foot, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Ulcer on Left Foot

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

Diabetic foot ulcer with necrosis

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Location and size of ulcer
  • Depth and tissue involvement
  • Link to diabetes

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Pt reports non-healing wound on left plantar foot × 8 weeks. **Objective**: 3.5 cm × 2.0 cm ulcer, left plantar midfoot, probing to bone. Exposed muscle with 40% slough, no purulence. ABI 0.45 (left), HbA1c 10.2%, monofilament 0/10. **Assessment**: Type 2 DM with neuropathic left foot ulcer (Wagner 3), PAD, uncontrolled DM. **Plan**: Surgical debridement (11043), vascular consult, optimize insulin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diabetic foot ulcer, left foot.
Good Documentation Example
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with neuropathic left plantar foot ulcer, 3.5 cm × 2.0 cm, probing to bone, necrosis of muscle, Wagner Grade 3.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the ulcer's location, size, depth, and link to diabetes, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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