Find comprehensive information on Left Foot Ulcer diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L97), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices. Learn about wound care, diabetic foot ulcer treatment, peripheral arterial disease, and venous insufficiency related to left foot ulcers. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking information on left foot ulcer management and treatment options.
Also known as
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower leg
Includes non-pressure ulcers of the left foot.
Atherosclerosis
Peripheral artery disease can cause foot ulcers.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the ulcer due to diabetes?
Yes
Neurological involvement?
No
Is the ulcer due to arterial disease?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Left foot ulcer |
Right foot ulcer |
Diabetic foot ulcer |
Coding L foot ulcer without specifying left laterality (e.g., unspecified foot) leads to inaccurate data and reimbursement issues.
Coding left foot ulcer based on suspected but unconfirmed diagnosis during the encounter can cause inaccurate reporting and potential compliance risks.
Lack of documentation specifying the etiology of the left foot ulcer (e.g., diabetic, pressure) impacts coding accuracy for quality reporting and reimbursement.
Patient presents with a left foot ulcer. Location of the ulcer is documented as (specify anatomical location, e.g., plantar surface of the great toe, medial malleolus, etc.). Ulcer dimensions are measured as length x width x depth in centimeters and documented. Ulcer characteristics include (describe appearance, e.g., granulating, necrotic, fibrinous, hypergranulating) with (describe exudate, e.g., serous, serosanguinous, purulent, amount). Surrounding skin is assessed for signs of infection (erythema, edema, warmth, induration) and described (e.g., intact, macerated, calloused). Peripheral pulses (dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial) are palpated and documented as palpable or non-palpable. Neuropathy assessment includes monofilament testing and vibration sense, results documented. Patient reports pain level of (scale 0-10) associated with the ulcer. Etiology of the ulcer is suspected to be (e.g., diabetic foot ulcer, venous stasis ulcer, arterial ulcer, pressure ulcer) based on clinical presentation and patient history. Assessment includes evaluation for peripheral artery disease, venous insufficiency, and diabetes mellitus. Differential diagnosis includes infection, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, deep vein thrombosis. Plan includes (specify wound care regimen, e.g., debridement, dressings, offloading) and further investigations as needed (e.g., vascular studies, wound cultures, X-ray). Patient education provided on wound care, foot care, and risk factor modification. Follow-up appointment scheduled for (date) to monitor ulcer healing and adjust treatment plan as indicated. ICD-10 code (specify appropriate code, e.g., L97.419 for non-pressure chronic ulcer of left heel and midfoot) and CPT codes for wound care procedures will be documented based on services rendered.