Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) of the Left Lower Extremity diagnosis, left leg DVT, or lower extremity DVT clinical documentation and medical coding information for healthcare professionals. Find details on DVT of left leg symptoms, diagnosis codes, and treatment protocols. This resource offers support for accurate clinical documentation and medical coding related to left lower extremity DVT.
Also known as
Deep vein thrombosis of left lower extremity
Blood clot in the deep veins of the left leg.
Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of veins, sometimes with blood clot formation.
Pulmonary embolism
Blockage in lung artery, often caused by a blood clot from the leg.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the DVT in the left lower extremity?
Yes
Is the DVT proximal?
No
Do not code as left lower extremity DVT. Review documentation for correct site.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Left leg deep vein blood clot. |
| Right leg deep vein blood clot. |
| Suspected leg vein blood clot. |
Coding and documentation must clearly specify the left lower extremity involvement to avoid ambiguity and ensure accurate reimbursement.
Differentiating acute DVT from chronic DVT is crucial for proper coding, impacting severity level and treatment selection.
Documenting and coding any associated complications like pulmonary embolism (PE) is essential for accurate risk adjustment and quality reporting.
Q: What are the most reliable clinical signs and symptoms for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis of the left lower extremity in a patient presenting with leg pain?
A: While leg pain is a common symptom, it's not specific to left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Reliable clinical signs and symptoms include unilateral swelling of the affected leg (often measured as a difference in calf circumference), tenderness along the deep venous system, warmth, erythema, and dilated superficial veins. Homans' sign (pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot) is neither sensitive nor specific. D-dimer is useful to rule out DVT when clinical suspicion is low but has limited value in a high-probability patient due to low specificity. Objective confirmation of left leg DVT relies on imaging studies such as compression ultrasound. Explore how incorporating a clinical decision rule, like the Wells score, can further aid in your diagnostic process for DVT of the left lower extremity.
Q: How can I differentiate between left lower extremity cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a patient presenting with lower leg swelling and erythema?
A: Both left lower extremity cellulitis and left leg DVT can present with swelling and erythema, making the differential diagnosis challenging. Cellulitis typically exhibits a more diffuse, spreading redness with poorly demarcated borders, whereas the erythema associated with DVT is often localized along the affected vein. Palpation can reveal skin warmth and tenderness in both conditions, but cellulitis is more likely to present with lymphangitis and regional lymphadenopathy. A careful history and physical exam are crucial. Consider implementing a diagnostic algorithm that incorporates clinical findings, D-dimer testing (more helpful for ruling out DVT than confirming it), and imaging like compression ultrasound to definitively diagnose left lower extremity DVT and initiate appropriate treatment for each condition. Learn more about the potential complications of misdiagnosis and the importance of a timely and accurate differentiation.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left lower extremity. Symptoms include left leg pain, swelling, and tenderness to palpation along the calf and posterior tibial vein distribution. Onset of symptoms was reported as [duration] ago. Patient denies any recent trauma or prolonged immobility, although reports [risk factors, e.g., recent surgery, oral contraceptive use, family history of DVT]. Physical examination reveals increased warmth and erythema of the left lower extremity compared to the right. Homan's sign is [positive/negative]. Differential diagnosis includes muscle strain, cellulitis, Baker's cyst, and superficial thrombophlebitis. To evaluate for left leg DVT, a venous duplex ultrasound of the left lower extremity has been ordered. Pre-test probability for DVT, based on Wells criteria, is assessed as [low/moderate/high]. Dependent on ultrasound results, treatment options including anticoagulation therapy with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), such as enoxaparin, or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as rivaroxaban or apixaban, will be considered. Patient education regarding DVT risk factors, signs and symptoms, and potential complications including pulmonary embolism (PE) will be provided. Follow-up appointment scheduled for [date/time] to review ultrasound findings and discuss management plan. ICD-10 code I80.22 will be utilized pending diagnostic confirmation.