Find comprehensive information on ulcer foot diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (diabetic foot ulcer, arterial ulcer, venous ulcer), treatment options, and healthcare guidelines. Learn about proper wound care, assessment, and medical coding for ulcer foot conditions. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and coders seeking accurate and up-to-date information on ulcer foot management and documentation.
Also known as
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower leg
Includes ulcers of the foot, ankle, and other parts of the lower leg, excluding pressure ulcers.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication and require specific coding alongside L97 codes.
Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries
Peripheral arterial disease can contribute to foot ulcers and may be coded as a related condition.
Encounter for screening for other diseases and conditions
May be used for encounters specifically for foot ulcer risk assessment in patients with diabetes or PAD.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the ulcer diabetic?
Yes
Site of ulcer?
No
Is the ulcer due to arterial disease?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Ulcer, foot |
| Diabetic foot ulcer |
| Peripheral vascular disease ulcer |
Coding ulcer foot without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim denials and inaccurate reporting. Impacts quality metrics and reimbursement.
Failing to code the underlying cause of the ulcer, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, hinders accurate severity reflection and care planning.
Incorrectly documenting the ulcer stage (e.g., stage 1, 2, 3, 4, or unstageable) affects appropriate treatment and payment. CDI crucial for accurate staging.
Patient presents with ulcer foot, consistent with diabetic foot ulcer or venous stasis ulcer. Location of ulcer is documented as (insert location, e.g., plantar surface of right foot, medial malleolus of left leg). Ulcer size is measured as (length) x (width) x (depth) cm. Wound bed appearance is described as (e.g., granulating, sloughy, necrotic) with (amount) of exudate characterized as (e.g., serous, serosanguineous, purulent). Surrounding skin is noted as (e.g., erythematous, edematous, indurated, macerated) with signs of infection (present or absent), including warmth, tenderness, or purulent drainage. Peripheral pulses (e.g., dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial) are palpable (or non-palpable). Neuropathy assessment reveals (e.g., diminished sensation to monofilament testing, absent ankle reflexes) indicating peripheral neuropathy. Patient's current medications include (list medications). Assessment suggests (e.g., diabetic foot ulcer, venous stasis ulcer, arterial ulcer). Plan includes wound care with (e.g., debridement, dressings, offloading), vascular assessment if indicated, and optimization of glycemic control if diabetic. Patient education provided on wound care, foot hygiene, and the importance of regular follow-up. Differential diagnosis includes pressure ulcer, arterial insufficiency ulcer, and infectious ulcer. ICD-10 code (e.g., L97.419 Ulcer of lower limb, unspecified, other) and CPT codes (e.g., 97597 for debridement) are documented for medical billing and coding purposes. Follow-up appointment scheduled in (duration) for ongoing wound management and assessment.