Find information on ulcer left foot diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L97), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about treatment options, wound care, and diabetic foot ulcer management specific to the left foot. Explore relevant medical terminology, differential diagnoses, and best practices for accurate ulcer left foot documentation for optimal reimbursement.
Also known as
Non-pressure ulcers of lower limb
Ulcers affecting the legs and feet, excluding those caused by pressure.
Atherosclerosis of extremities
Reduced blood flow in the limbs can lead to ulcers.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation, increasing ulcer risk.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the ulcer due to diabetes?
Yes
With neurologic manifestations?
No
Is the ulcer due to arterial disease?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Ulcer, Left Foot |
| Diabetic Foot Ulcer |
| Peripheral Vascular Disease |
Coding L97.4 requires laterality. Missing left-sided specificity may lead to claim rejection or improper reimbursement. CDI crucial.
Underlying cause (e.g., diabetic, venous) impacts code selection (e.g., L97.401, L97.411). Missing documentation creates coding and audit risks.
Documentation must specify ulcer location on left foot. Missing detail hinders accurate code assignment, impacting reimbursement and compliance.
Patient presents with a left foot ulcer. Chief complaint is a non-healing wound on the left foot, present for [duration]. Location of the ulcer is documented as [specific location on left foot, e.g., plantar aspect of left heel, medial malleolus, etc.]. The ulcer measures [length] x [width] x [depth] cm. Wound bed appearance is described as [e.g., granulating, necrotic, sloughy] with [amount] of exudate characterized as [e.g., serous, serosanguinous, purulent]. Surrounding skin is [e.g., erythematous, edematous, macerated, indurated] with [temperature description, e.g., warmth, coolness]. Patient reports [presence or absence] of pain, described as [pain characteristics, e.g., sharp, dull, throbbing, constant, intermittent]. Peripheral pulses are [palpable or non-palpable, specify dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial]. Sensation is [intact or diminished] in the affected area. Assessment: Left foot ulcer, likely [etiology, e.g., venous stasis ulcer, diabetic foot ulcer, pressure ulcer]. Differential diagnosis includes infection, arterial insufficiency, neuropathy. Plan: Wound care with [debridement type if applicable, e.g., sharp, enzymatic, autolytic] and [dressing type, e.g., alginate, hydrogel, foam]. Offloading of the affected area with [offloading method, e.g., total contact cast, custom orthotics, crutches]. Vascular assessment recommended if arterial insufficiency suspected. Neuropathy assessment recommended if indicated. Patient education provided regarding wound care, offloading, and follow-up. Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe]. ICD-10 code [appropriate ICD-10 code] and CPT code[s] [appropriate CPT code(s) for evaluation and management, wound care, and any other procedures performed] are documented for medical billing and coding.