Find information on left foot ulcer diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (L97, other specified disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue), and healthcare treatment options. Learn about ulcerative skin changes, wound care, diabetic foot ulcer, peripheral arterial disease, venous insufficiency, and pressure ulcer as they relate to left foot ulcers. This resource provides guidance for medical coding and appropriate terminology for accurate healthcare records.
Also known as
Non-pressure ulcers of lower limb
Covers ulcers of the leg and foot not due to pressure.
Atherosclerosis of extremities
Arterial disease can cause foot ulcers due to poor blood flow.
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the ulcer due to diabetes?
Yes
Neurologic manifestations?
No
Is the ulcer due to arterial disease?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Ulcer on left foot |
Diabetic foot ulcer |
Arterial ulcer of left foot |
Coding ulcer on foot without specifying left side can lead to claim rejection. Use L97.414.
Generalized foot ulcer coding lacks anatomical detail. Specify the exact site for accurate reimbursement, such as heel, toe etc.
Ulcer documentation must include the cause (diabetic, venous, etc.) for proper code assignment and risk adjustment.
Patient presents with a left foot ulcer. Location of the ulcer is documented. The ulcer's size, depth, and surrounding tissue characteristics (e.g., erythema, edema, induration, warmth, necrosis, granulation tissue) are noted. Assessment includes evaluation for signs of infection (e.g., purulent drainage, foul odor, fever), peripheral artery disease (e.g., diminished pulses, cool extremity, pain with elevation), and neuropathy (e.g., loss of sensation, paresthesia). Patient's history of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, venous insufficiency, hypertension, smoking, and previous foot ulcers is documented. Current medications, including antibiotics, antiplatelets, and analgesics, are recorded. Differential diagnosis may include diabetic foot ulcer, venous stasis ulcer, arterial ulcer, pressure ulcer, and neuropathic ulcer. Wound culture, if obtained, is pending. Treatment plan includes debridement (if necessary), wound dressing (e.g., alginate, hydrogel, foam), offloading (e.g., total contact cast, crutches, specialized footwear), vascular assessment (e.g., Ankle-Brachial Index, Doppler ultrasound), and optimization of glycemic control (for diabetic patients). Patient education provided on wound care, foot hygiene, and the importance of follow-up appointments. Referral to specialists such as a podiatrist, vascular surgeon, or wound care specialist may be indicated based on ulcer etiology and severity. ICD-10 codes for the specific ulcer type and any associated comorbidities are documented for medical billing and coding purposes. CPT codes for procedures performed, such as debridement or application of a cast, are also recorded. Follow-up scheduled for wound reassessment and adjustment of treatment plan as needed.