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ICD-10 Coding for Diabetes with Foot Ulcer(E11.621, L97.4-)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Diabetes with Foot Ulcer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Diabetic Foot UlcerDiabetic Ulcer of the Foot

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Diabetes with Foot Ulcer

E10-E13Primary Range

Diabetes mellitus codes

These codes cover diabetes mellitus and its complications, including foot ulcers.

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified

These codes specify the location and severity of the ulcer.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E11.621Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcerUse when a patient with type 2 diabetes has a foot ulcer.
  • Documentation of diabetes mellitus
  • Presence of a foot ulcer
L97.4-Non-pressure chronic ulcer of heel and midfootUse to specify the location of a diabetic foot ulcer.
  • Documentation of ulcer location on heel or midfoot

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: How do you code diabetes with a foot ulcer?

Essential facts and insights about Diabetes with Foot Ulcer

Code E11.621 for type 2 diabetes with foot ulcer, and add L97.- to specify the ulcer's location and severity.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for diabetes with foot ulcer

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of diabetes and a foot ulcer

Applicable To

  • Diabetic foot ulcer

Excludes

  • Pressure ulcer (L89.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of diabetes mellitus
  • Presence of a foot ulcer

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure ulcer is related to diabetes and not a pressure ulcer.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the ulcer's location and severity.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Long term (current) use of insulin

Z79.4
Use if the patient is on insulin therapy.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Pressure ulcer

L89.-
Pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Diabetes with Foot Ulcer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E11.621.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation standards., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Failure to comply with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include a code from L97.- to specify the ulcer's location.

Impact

Missing details on ulcer severity and location.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular documentation audits.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Diabetes with Foot Ulcer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Diabetes with Foot Ulcer

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Diabetes with Foot Ulcer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diabetic foot ulcer in a patient with type 2 diabetes

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Ulcer location and severity
  • Diabetes management details
  • Infection status

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a non-pressure ulcer on the right heel, measuring 2cm x 2cm, with necrosis of muscle. Type 2 diabetes is well-managed with insulin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diabetic foot wound.
Good Documentation Example
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right heel with necrosis of muscle in a patient with type 2 diabetes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, severity, and links the ulcer to diabetes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Diabetes with Foot Ulcer? Ask your questions below.

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