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L97.529
ICD-10-CM
Left Foot Ulcer

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

Left Foot Ulceration
Non-pressure Ulcer of Left Foot

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Open sore on the left foot, often slow to heal.
  • Clinical Signs : Redness, swelling, pain, drainage, sometimes numbness or tingling.
  • Common Settings : Diabetes, peripheral artery disease, venous insufficiency, neuropathy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L97.529 Coding
L97

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower leg

Includes non-pressure ulcers of the left foot.

I70

Atherosclerosis

Peripheral artery disease can cause foot ulcers.

E10-E14

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left foot ulcer
Right foot ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcer

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left foot ulcer ICD-10 code, site, laterality
  • Ulcer size, depth, characteristics (exudate, color)
  • Etiology of ulcer (e.g., diabetic, venous, arterial)
  • Evidence of infection, if present (signs, symptoms)
  • Current treatments, wound care plan documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding L foot ulcer without specifying left laterality (e.g., unspecified foot) leads to inaccurate data and reimbursement issues.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Coding left foot ulcer based on suspected but unconfirmed diagnosis during the encounter can cause inaccurate reporting and potential compliance risks.

  • Missing Etiology

    Lack of documentation specifying the etiology of the left foot ulcer (e.g., diabetic, pressure) impacts coding accuracy for quality reporting and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document ulcer location, size, depth, and characteristics for accurate ICD-10 coding (L97.-).
  • Ensure appropriate CPT codes for debridement, dressings, and other procedures (e.g., 11042-11047).
  • Specify ulcer etiology (e.g., diabetic, arterial, venous) for optimal reimbursement and CDI.
  • Regularly assess and document wound progress for improved patient care and compliance audits.
  • Adhere to clinical guidelines for left foot ulcer management to minimize risks and improve outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm laterality: Left foot ulcer documented
  • Assess ulcer characteristics: size, depth, location
  • Evaluate for infection signs: redness, swelling, pus
  • Review vascular status: pulses, ABI if indicated
  • Document etiology: diabetic, venous, arterial, pressure

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Foot Ulcer reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 L97 coding and appropriate modifier use for optimal payment.
  • Coding quality directly impacts Left Foot Ulcer reimbursement rates and reduces claim denials for improved revenue cycle.
  • Hospital reporting on Left Foot Ulcer prevalence, treatment outcomes, and cost analysis influences resource allocation.
  • Accurate Left Foot Ulcer documentation supports medical necessity for procedures impacting quality metrics and value-based care.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Specify ulcer location: left foot
  • Document ulcer stage and size
  • Code L97.421 with laterality
  • Include diabetic status if applicable
  • Consider comorbidities: PAD, infection

Documentation Templates

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.
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