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L97.529
ICD-10-CM
Ulcer on Left Foot

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

Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Non-pressure Ulcer of Left Foot

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Open sore on the left foot, slow to heal.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, redness, swelling, drainage, visible break in skin.
  • Common Settings : Diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage, pressure injuries.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L97.529 Coding
L97

Non-pressure ulcers of lower limb

Covers ulcers of the leg and foot not due to pressure.

I70

Atherosclerosis of extremities

Arterial disease can cause foot ulcers due to poor blood flow.

E10-E14

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Ulcer on left foot
Diabetic foot ulcer
Arterial ulcer of left foot

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document ulcer location: left foot, specific site.
  • Ulcer size: length x width x depth in cm.
  • Ulcer characteristics: color, drainage, tissue type.
  • Peripheral pulses: DP, PT pulses documented.
  • Etiology/associated conditions: diabetes, PAD, etc.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Unspecified

    Coding ulcer on foot without specifying left side can lead to claim rejection. Use L97.414.

  • Site Specificity Lacking

    Generalized foot ulcer coding lacks anatomical detail. Specify the exact site for accurate reimbursement, such as heel, toe etc.

  • Etiology Missing

    Ulcer documentation must include the cause (diabetic, venous, etc.) for proper code assignment and risk adjustment.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Offload pressure: Use crutches, wheelchair, special footwear. ICD-10 L97.4 CDI best practice.
  • Wound care: Debridement, dressings, infection control. Monitor healing progress. ICD-10 L97.421
  • Optimize blood sugar & circulation: HbA1c monitoring, vascular assessment. L97.40, E11.50
  • Address underlying causes: Neuropathy, PAD, vasculitis. Proper coding for compliance. I70.26
  • Patient education: Foot care, self-monitoring, regular checkups. Improve documentation.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm ulcer location on left foot. Document precise site.
  • Assess ulcer characteristics: size, depth, tissue type.
  • Evaluate for infection signs: redness, swelling, pus.
  • Check vascular status: pulses, temperature, capillary refill.
  • Review patient history: diabetes, peripheral artery disease.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Ulcer left foot reimbursement impacted by accurate ICD-10 coding (L97.-), appropriate modifier use, and documentation supporting severity.
  • Quality metrics for left foot ulcer care affected by healing rates, amputation prevention, infection control, and patient-reported outcomes.
  • Hospital reporting on left foot ulcers includes incidence rates, cost analysis, length of stay, and compliance with evidence-based guidelines.
  • Coding accuracy for left foot ulcer diagnosis impacts reimbursement and quality reporting. Proper documentation is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code L97.424 left foot ulcer
  • Specify ulcer type: venous, arterial, diabetic
  • Document ulcer size, location, depth
  • Consider comorbidities like diabetes, PAD
  • Add laterality: left foot ulcer ICD-10

Documentation Templates

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.
Ulcer on Left Foot - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation