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
Non-pressure ulcers of lower limb
Includes ulcers of the heel not due to pressure.
Varicose veins of lower extremities
Venous insufficiency can cause lower leg ulcers, including heel.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetic foot complications can manifest as heel ulcers.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Left heel ulcer |
Right heel ulcer |
Non-pressure ulcer of heel |
Coding L heel ulcer without specifying left laterality can lead to rejected claims or improper reimbursement. Use L97.424.
Incorrectly documenting ulcer stage impacts severity coding (L97.421-L97.429). CDI should query for precise stage details.
Failing to code the underlying cause (e.g., diabetes, pressure) with L97.424 can trigger audits and impact quality metrics.
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.