Facebook tracking pixelGangrene of Left Foot - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation
I96
ICD-10-CM
Gangrene of Left Foot

Find information on gangrene of left foot diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (I70.261, I70.262, I70.269), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about treatment options, symptoms, and the pathophysiology associated with left foot gangrene. This resource is for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking information on left foot gangrene diagnosis and management.

Also known as

Left Foot Necrosis
Left Foot Tissue Death

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Tissue death in the left foot due to loss of blood supply.
  • Clinical Signs : Discoloration (black, blue, or red), foul odor, numbness, pain, and swelling.
  • Common Settings : Diabetes, peripheral artery disease, severe frostbite, or serious injury.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC I96 Coding
I70.26-

Gangrene, lower extremity

Gangrene specifically affecting the left foot.

I70.2-

Atherosclerosis of extremities

Peripheral arterial disease leading to gangrene.

E10-E14

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is a common cause of foot gangrene.

I96

Gangrene, not elsewhere classified

Other forms of gangrene not specified elsewhere.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the gangrene due to diabetes?

  • Yes

    Type 1 or 2 diabetes?

  • No

    Is it due to atherosclerosis?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Gangrene, left foot
Critical limb ischemia, left leg
Peripheral vascular disease, left leg

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document gangrene location: left foot, specific toes/area.
  • Specify gangrene type: dry, wet, gas, other.
  • Etiology of gangrene: e.g., diabetes, atherosclerosis.
  • Severity/extent: superficial, deep, involving bone.
  • Diagnostic methods: visual exam, imaging, labs.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Site

    Coding gangrene without specifying the affected toes or part of the left foot leads to inaccurate documentation and reimbursement.

  • Diabetes Co-coding

    Failing to code the underlying diabetic condition when present with gangrene impacts risk adjustment and quality reporting.

  • Atherosclerosis Omission

    Missing atherosclerosis as a contributing factor to left foot gangrene understates severity and affects clinical documentation improvement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document thorough HPI for ICD-10 code accuracy (e.g., I70.262)
  • Specify gangrene type (dry, wet, gas) for proper CDI & coding
  • Capture underlying cause (e.g., diabetes, atherosclerosis) in notes
  • Record debridement, amputation details for compliance & reimbursement
  • Regular vascular assessments, wound care notes improve patient outcomes

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify left foot tissue necrosis: ICD-10 I70.26
  • Confirm diminished/absent pulse: Document DP/PT
  • Check sensory loss/paresthesia: Patient safety alert
  • Assess for infection signs (foul odor, pus): I70.26

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Gangrene Left Foot Reimbursement: ICD-10 A48.0 impacts DRG assignment, influencing hospital payments. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate reimbursement.
  • Coding Accuracy: Precise documentation of Gangrene Left Foot, laterality, and etiology (diabetes, atherosclerosis) affects code assignment (A48.0, other) impacting reimbursement.
  • Hospital Reporting: Gangrene Left Foot data impacts quality metrics like amputation rates, length of stay, readmissions, influencing hospital performance scores.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Proper Gangrene Left Foot treatment, coded accurately, impacts sepsis rates and mortality, reflecting on hospital quality and patient outcomes.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code I70.261 for left foot gangrene
  • Specify type of gangrene (dry, wet, gas)
  • Document extent/depth of tissue necrosis
  • Query physician if etiology unclear
  • Consider comorbidities like diabetes,PAD

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with gangrene of the left foot, manifesting as dry gangrene with clear demarcation.  On examination, the affected area exhibits mummification, desiccation, and a dark, black-brown discoloration of the toes extending to the midfoot.  Peripheral pulses in the left foot are absent, confirmed by Doppler ultrasound.  Patient reports a history of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus, both contributing factors to the development of critical limb ischemia.  Symptoms include cold sensation, numbness, and intermittent claudication in the affected limb, progressing to persistent rest pain prior to the onset of gangrene.  No signs of infection, such as purulent drainage, fever, or elevated white blood cell count are present.  Diagnosis of dry gangrene left foot is confirmed based on clinical presentation, vascular assessment, and patient history.  Treatment plan includes vascular surgery consultation for revascularization options, debridement of necrotic tissue, wound care management, and pain control.  Differential diagnoses considered included diabetic foot ulcer, peripheral neuropathy, and acute limb ischemia.  ICD-10 code I70.261, Gangrene, lower extremity, left foot, is assigned.  Patient education provided on wound care, diabetes management, and the importance of follow-up appointments.