ICD-10 Coding for Venous Leg Ulcer(I87.2, I83.0xx, L97.3-L97.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Venous Leg Ulcer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Venous Leg Ulcer
I87.2-I87.3Primary Range
Chronic venous insufficiency and chronic venous hypertension
Primary codes for underlying venous conditions leading to ulcers.
Varicose veins of lower extremities with ulcer
Codes for varicose veins with associated ulcers.
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified
Codes for specifying the severity and location of the 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| I87.2 | Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of lower extremity | Use when chronic venous insufficiency is the primary cause of the ulcer. |
|
| I83.0xx | Varicose veins of lower extremities with ulcer | Use when varicose veins are the primary cause of the ulcer. |
|
| L97.3-L97.9 | Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified | Use to specify the location and severity of the ulcer. |
|
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 venous leg ulcer
Essential facts and insights about Venous Leg Ulcer
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for venous leg ulcer
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of chronic venous insufficiency confirmed by imaging.
Applicable To
- Venous stasis
Excludes
- Varicose veins with ulcer (I83.0xx)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Doppler ultrasound showing venous reflux
- ABPI between 0.8 and 1.3
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if varicose veins are present.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the underlying venous condition.
I83.0xx - Varicose veins of lower extremities with ulcer
Use when varicose veins are the primary cause of the ulcer.
Applicable To
- Varicose ulcer
Excludes
- Chronic venous insufficiency without varicose veins (I87.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Physical exam showing varicosities
- Ulceration at site of varicose veins
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies varicose veins as the cause.
L97.3-L97.9 - Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified
Use to specify the location and severity of the ulcer.
Applicable To
- Chronic ulcer of lower limb
Excludes
- Pressure ulcers (L89.xxx)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of ulcer location and depth
Coding Notes
Ensure specific location and depth are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb
L97.xxxDifferential 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 Venous Leg Ulcer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I87.2.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates for documentation., Ensure all clinical findings are recorded.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality and inaccurate clinical records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific location and depth of the ulcer.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of ulcer characteristics and underlying cause.
Mitigation Strategy
Use comprehensive templates and ensure all clinical findings are documented.
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 Venous Leg Ulcer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Venous Leg Ulcer
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Venous Leg Ulcer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Venous Ulcer Management
Specialty: Wound CareRequired Elements
- Ulcer location and depth
- Presence of varicose veins
- ABPI results
- Doppler ultrasound findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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