Find comprehensive information on venous stasis ulcer diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (I83.0, I83.1, I83.2), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices. Learn about venous insufficiency, lower extremity ulcers, wound care, and treatment options for venous stasis dermatitis. This resource provides essential information for physicians, nurses, coders, and other healthcare professionals seeking accurate and efficient venous stasis ulcer management.
Also known as
Varicose veins of lower extremities
Venous stasis ulcers often stem from varicose veins.
Venous insufficiency (chronic)
Underlying venous insufficiency contributes to ulcer formation.
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower leg
This includes venous stasis ulcers not due to pressure.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the ulcer due to venous stasis?
Yes
Is the ulcer at or above the ankle?
No
Do NOT code as venous stasis ulcer. Review documentation for alternative diagnosis.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Venous stasis ulcer |
| Arterial ulcer |
| Diabetic foot ulcer |
Coding venous stasis ulcer without specifying laterality (right, left, bilateral) leads to claim rejections and inaccurate data.
Lack of documentation specifying the underlying cause and severity of the ulcer impacts accurate code assignment and reimbursement.
Coding venous stasis ulcer based on suspected diagnosis without confirmatory testing risks inaccurate coding and potential fraud.
Patient presents with a venous stasis ulcer, confirmed by clinical presentation and assessment. The ulcer is located on the medial aspect of the right lower leg, measuring 3 cm x 2 cm x 0.5 cm. The wound bed exhibits a yellow fibrinous exudate with surrounding erythema and induration. Moderate edema is noted in the affected extremity. The patient reports dull, aching pain exacerbated by prolonged standing and relieved by elevation. Peripheral pulses are palpable, though slightly diminished in the affected limb. History includes chronic venous insufficiency, hypertension, and obesity. Assessment points toward a diagnosis of a chronic venous insufficiency ulcer, consistent with a venous stasis ulcer. Differential diagnosis includes arterial ulcer, diabetic ulcer, and pressure ulcer. However, clinical findings, including location, appearance, and patient history, support the diagnosis of venous stasis ulcer. Treatment plan includes compression therapy with a multi-layer compression bandage, wound care with a hydrocolloid dressing, leg elevation, and patient education regarding venous ulcer management. The patient was also instructed on proper wound care techniques, the importance of compression therapy adherence, and risk factors for venous ulcer recurrence. Referral to a wound care specialist is considered for ongoing management. Follow-up appointment scheduled in one week to assess wound healing progress and adjust treatment plan as needed. ICD-10 code I83.1 (Venous insufficiency (chronic) (peripheral) of lower extremity) and I83.2 (Venous ulcer of lower limb) are documented for billing and coding purposes.