Understanding foot calluses, also known as plantar calluses or hyperkeratosis of the foot? This resource provides information on callus on foot diagnosis, clinical documentation for healthcare professionals, and relevant medical coding terms for accurate billing. Learn about causes, treatment, and when to seek medical advice for calluses on the foot.
Also known as
Corns and callosities
Covers various types of corns and callosities, including on the foot.
Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Encompasses a wide range of skin conditions, including hyperkeratosis.
Bullous disorders
While not a direct match, calluses can sometimes involve blisters or bullae.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the callus related to a shoe, friction, or pressure?
Yes
Is there ulceration?
No
Is it due to another specific condition?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Thickened skin on foot due to pressure or friction. |
| Corn on foot, often between toes, with a central core. |
| Plantar wart caused by HPV infection. |
Coding lacks laterality (left, right, bilateral), impacting reimbursement and data accuracy. CDI can query for clarification.
Underlying cause undocumented. If related to pressure/friction, code as L84, otherwise, hyperkeratosis codes may apply.
Callus may indicate underlying condition (e.g., plantar wart). Accurate diagnosis needed for proper coding and care.
Q: How can I differentiate between a simple callus on the foot and a plantar wart or other hyperkeratotic lesion during a clinical examination?
A: Differentiating a callus from other hyperkeratotic lesions like plantar warts requires careful examination. Calluses typically present as diffuse, yellowish, thickened skin with even texture, often located over bony prominences or areas of repeated pressure. They lack the pinpoint bleeding seen when paring down a wart and usually have intact skin lines. Plantar warts, however, often display small black dots (thrombosed capillaries) and disrupt skin lines. Furthermore, warts are often painful with lateral compression, while calluses are generally painful with direct pressure. If the diagnosis remains uncertain after visual inspection and palpation, consider a dermatoscopy or biopsy to rule out other conditions like porokeratosis or squamous cell carcinoma. Explore how advanced imaging techniques can aid in complex cases of hyperkeratosis of the foot.
Q: What are the best evidence-based treatment options for recalcitrant plantar calluses, especially in patients with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy?
A: Recalcitrant plantar calluses, especially in high-risk patients like those with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, require a multi-faceted approach. Initial management involves regular debridement by a podiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional, combined with pressure offloading techniques like custom orthotics or appropriate footwear modifications. Topical keratolytics containing salicylic acid or urea can be helpful, but their use must be carefully monitored in patients with compromised circulation or sensation. For resistant cases, consider implementing advanced treatment modalities such as laser therapy or surgical excision. Critically, patient education on proper foot hygiene, regular self-inspection, and the importance of adherence to the prescribed treatment plan is paramount to prevent recurrence. Learn more about the latest guidelines for diabetic foot care and offloading strategies.
Patient presents with a complaint of a callus on foot, consistent with plantar hyperkeratosis. The patient reports localized thickening of the skin on the plantar surface of the foot, possibly due to repetitive pressure, friction, or abnormal weight distribution. Assessment reveals a well-defined area of hyperkeratotic skin on the [specify location on foot, e.g., plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head, heel]. The callus appears [describe appearance, e.g., yellowish, dry, fissured]. The patient reports [describe symptoms, e.g., pain with weight-bearing, tenderness to palpation, no pain]. Differential diagnoses considered include corn, wart, and other dermatological conditions. Diagnosis of foot callus confirmed based on clinical presentation. Treatment plan includes patient education on proper footwear, pressure relief techniques such as orthotics or padding, and debridement of the callus as needed. Follow-up recommended to assess treatment response and provide further management if necessary. ICD-10 code L84 is considered for hard skin. CPT codes for debridement, if performed, would be selected based on the size and complexity of the procedure.