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L89.629
ICD-10-CM
Left Heel Ulcer

Find comprehensive information on Left Heel Ulcer diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L97.401, L97.402, L97.403), and medical coding guidelines. Learn about heel ulcer staging, differential diagnosis, treatment options, and preventative care for left heel pressure ulcers. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, wound care specialists, and medical coders seeking accurate and up-to-date information on left heel ulcer management and documentation.

Also known as

Chronic Ulcer of Left Heel
Non-pressure Ulcer of Left Heel

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Open sore on the left heel, often slow to heal.
  • Clinical Signs : Redness, swelling, pain, drainage, visible break in skin on the heel.
  • Common Settings : Diabetes, peripheral artery disease, immobility, pressure injuries.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L89.629 Coding
L97

Non-pressure ulcers of lower limb

Includes ulcers of the heel not due to pressure.

I83

Varicose veins of lower extremities

Venous insufficiency can cause lower leg ulcers, including heel.

E10-E14

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetic foot complications can manifest as heel ulcers.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the left heel ulcer due to diabetes?

  • Yes

    With neuropathy?

  • No

    Due to arterial disease?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left heel ulcer
Right heel ulcer
Non-pressure ulcer of heel

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left heel ulcer diagnosis: ICD-10 code, laterality
  • Ulcer size, depth, location details
  • Presence of infection signs/symptoms
  • Wound bed characteristics, exudate description
  • Peripheral artery disease assessment documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding L heel ulcer without specifying left laterality can lead to rejected claims or improper reimbursement. Use L97.424.

  • Stage Miscoding

    Incorrectly documenting ulcer stage impacts severity coding (L97.421-L97.429). CDI should query for precise stage details.

  • Missing Etiology

    Failing to code the underlying cause (e.g., diabetes, pressure) with L97.424 can trigger audits and impact quality metrics.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document ulcer size, depth, location precisely for accurate ICD-10 coding (L97.4).
  • Assess and document wound characteristics, etiology, and comorbidities for proper CDI, HCC capture.
  • Ensure regular wound care documentation meets payer and compliance guidelines.
  • Use standardized terminology (e.g., Wagner scale) for consistent and compliant ulcer staging.
  • Monitor and document healing progress for appropriate care plan adjustments and coding updates.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm laterality: Left heel documented
  • Ulcer location specified: Heel area only
  • Assess wound characteristics: Size, depth, tissue type
  • Rule out other etiologies: Arterial, venous, neuropathic
  • Document staging (if applicable): Wagner grade or other

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Heel Ulcer reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 L97 and CPT coding for debridement, dressings, and offloading.
  • Coding quality impacts MS-DRG assignment and hospital reimbursement for Left Heel Ulcer treatment.
  • Accurate documentation of ulcer stage, size, and infection status affects quality metrics and reimbursement.
  • Left Heel Ulcer care quality measures impact hospital value-based purchasing and public reporting.

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 heel
  • Document ulcer stage and size
  • Code L97.421 with 707.17
  • Add laterality and any infection
  • Consider Z86.821 for hx

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a left heel ulcer.  The ulcer is located on the plantar aspect of the left heel, measuring 2.5 cm x 3.0 cm x 0.5 cm in depth.  The wound bed presents with moderate amounts of yellow slough and minimal serosanguinous drainage.  Surrounding skin is erythematous and warm to the touch, indicative of local inflammation.  Patient reports pain at the ulcer site, rated 6/10 on a pain scale, described as throbbing and worse with weight bearing.  Peripheral pulses are palpable and capillary refill is brisk.  Neuropathy assessment via monofilament test reveals diminished sensation in the left foot.  Patient denies fever, chills, or systemic symptoms.  History significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral arterial disease.  Current medications include metformin, insulin glargine, and atorvastatin.  Assessment: Left heel ulcer, likely neuropathic etiology, secondary to diabetes.  Diagnosis: Diabetic foot ulcer, left heel.  Plan: Wound care with debridement of slough, application of appropriate moist wound dressing, and offloading of the left heel with a pressure relieving boot.  Patient education provided on proper wound care, foot hygiene, and the importance of offloading.  Referral to podiatry for further evaluation and management.  ICD-10 code: E11.622, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy with foot ulcer.  CPT codes for debridement and dressing change will be determined based on the specific procedures performed.  Follow-up scheduled in one week to assess wound healing progress.  Patient advised to return sooner if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.