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L03.115
ICD-10-CM
Right Foot Infection

Find information on Right Foot Infection diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, SNOMED CT), healthcare guidelines, and treatment options. Learn about symptoms, causes, and differential diagnoses related to Right Foot Infection for accurate and efficient medical record keeping and improved patient care. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on diagnosing and managing Right Foot Infection.

Also known as

Right Foot Ulcer
Right Foot Cellulitis
Right Foot Osteomyelitis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Infection affecting the foot tissues, often bacterial
  • Clinical Signs : Redness, swelling, pain, warmth, pus, fever, sometimes open sores
  • Common Settings : Community-acquired, diabetic foot ulcers, post-traumatic wounds

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L03.115 Coding
L00-L08

Infections of the skin and...

Infections affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

M00-M99

Diseases of the musculoskeletal...

Conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissue.

A46-A48

Other bacterial diseases

Bacterial infections not classified elsewhere.

Z86-Z90

Personal history of medical...

Indicates a past history of certain medical conditions.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the infection specified as cellulitis?

  • Yes

    Is there lymphangitis?

  • No

    Is it an abscess?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Right Foot Infection
Cellulitis, Right Foot
Right Foot Abscess

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Right foot infection site, type, laterality documented
  • Infection severity (mild, moderate, severe) specified
  • Causative organism if known (e.g., bacterial, fungal)
  • Clinical signs/symptoms (e.g., redness, swelling, pain)
  • Diagnosis supported by labs/imaging (if applicable)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Infection Site

    Coding right foot infection without laterality or specific site (e.g., toe, heel) leads to unspecified codes and claim denials. CDI can clarify.

  • Missing Infection Severity

    Lack of documentation specifying superficial, deep, or systemic infection impacts code selection and reimbursement. CDI and audit focus needed.

  • Unconfirmed Causative Organism

    Missing or inadequate documentation of the causative organism (if known) for the right foot infection affects coding accuracy and clinical data.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document infection site, type, laterality for accurate ICD-10 coding (L00-L08).
  • Ensure CDI captures cellulitis, abscess, osteomyelitis specifics for proper MS-DRG assignment.
  • Follow antibiotic stewardship guidelines, document rationale for compliance, avoid C. diff risk.
  • Complete wound care documentation, including debridement, dressings, for appropriate reimbursement.
  • Monitor, document patient response to treatment for quality metrics and improved outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify documented signs/symptoms: redness, swelling, pain, warmth, purulence
  • Confirm labs: WBC, ESR, CRP, wound culture. Rule out Charcot foot
  • Check imaging (X-ray, MRI) for bone involvement, osteomyelitis
  • Assess vascular status: pulses, ABI. Document diabetic foot risk if applicable

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Right Foot Infection reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (L00-L08) impacting MS-DRG assignment and payment.
  • Coding quality affects sepsis severity reporting, impacting hospital quality metrics and potential value-based penalties.
  • Accurate documentation of infection site and type (cellulitis, abscess) is crucial for proper coding and optimal reimbursement.
  • Timely and specific coding improves CDI efforts, reducing claim denials and optimizing hospital revenue cycle management.

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
  • Specify infection site, e.g., toe, heel
  • Document infection type, e.g., cellulitis
  • Code underlying conditions, like diabetes
  • Check laterality: Right foot is critical
  • Consider depth: superficial vs. deep

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms consistent with a right foot infection.  Onset reported as [Date of Onset].  Location of infection noted on the [Specific location on right foot, e.g., plantar surface, dorsal aspect, first interdigital space].  Patient reports [Symptoms: e.g., pain, swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness to palpation, purulent drainage, fever, chills, malaise].  Physical exam reveals [Objective findings: e.g., erythema, edema, induration, fluctuance, increased skin temperature, presence of wound, ulcer, or abscess, limited range of motion, lymphangitis, regional lymphadenopathy].  Differential diagnosis includes cellulitis, abscess, osteomyelitis, diabetic foot infection, necrotizing fasciitis.  Assessment suggests right foot infection, likely [Specific suspected diagnosis, e.g., cellulitis].  Plan includes [Treatment plan: e.g., wound culture if applicable, debridement if necessary, antibiotic therapy with [Specific antibiotic and dosage], elevation, pain management with [Specific analgesic], patient education on wound care and infection prevention, follow-up appointment in [Timeframe], referral to podiatry or infectious disease specialist if indicated].  Patient advised to monitor for signs of worsening infection such as increasing pain, swelling, redness, or fever and to return to the clinic or seek emergency care if these occur.  ICD-10 code [Appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., L03.115 for Cellulitis of right foot, unspecified] considered.
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