ICD-10 Coding for Diabetic Foot Infection(E11.621, L97.523)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Diabetic Foot Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Diabetic Foot Infection
E10.621-E11.621Primary Range
Diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer
Primary codes for diabetic foot infections related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified
Used to specify the location, laterality, and severity of the ulcer.
Osteomyelitis of ankle and foot
Used when osteomyelitis is present in diabetic foot infections.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| E11.621 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer | Use when a patient with type 2 diabetes presents with a foot ulcer. |
|
| L97.523 | Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of left foot with necrosis of muscle | Use to specify the location and severity of a diabetic foot ulcer. |
|
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: ICD-10 code for diabetic foot infection
Essential facts and insights about Diabetic Foot Infection
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for diabetic foot infection
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of foot ulcer in a diabetic patient
documentation Criteria
- Ulcer linked to diabetes in medical records
L97.523 - Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of left foot with necrosis of muscle
Use to specify the location and severity of a diabetic foot ulcer.
Applicable To
- Chronic ulcer of foot with muscle necrosis
Excludes
- Diabetic ulcers (E10.621, E11.621)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of ulcer location and severity
- Necrosis confirmed by clinical examination
Coding Notes
Must be used with a diabetes code to indicate the ulcer is diabetic-related.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Long-term (current) use of insulin
Z79.4Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Diabetic Foot Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E11.621.
Impact
Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Always link ulcers to diabetes in documentation, Use templates to ensure completeness
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the laterality of the ulcer.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for claim denials., Compliance: Failure to meet coding standards., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of patient condition.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation explicitly states the ulcer is due to diabetes.
Impact
Failure to link ulcers to diabetes can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation explicitly states the ulcer is due to diabetes.
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 Diabetic Foot Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Diabetic Foot Infection
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Diabetic Foot Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Uncontrolled diabetes with infected ulcer
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- Ulcer size and depth
- Infection signs
- Diabetes control measures
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Diabetic Foot Infection? Ask your questions below.