ICD-10 Coding for Foot Infection(E11.621, L97.5-, L03.115)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Foot Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Foot Infection
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified
Includes codes for chronic ulcers of the foot.
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. |
|
| L97.5- | Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of foot | Use for non-pressure ulcers not directly related to diabetes. |
|
| L03.115 | Cellulitis of right lower limb | Use when cellulitis is present in the foot. |
|
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 Foot Infection
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for foot infection
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of diabetic foot ulcer
Applicable To
- Diabetic foot ulcer
Excludes
- Pressure ulcer (L89.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
- Presence of foot ulcer
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure ulcer is due to diabetes, not pressure.
Coding Notes
- Ensure correct sequencing: diabetes code first, followed by ulcer code.
L97.5- - Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of foot
Use for non-pressure ulcers not directly related to diabetes.
Applicable To
- Chronic ulcer of foot
Excludes
- Diabetic ulcers (E10-E14 with .621)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ulcer location and depth documented
- Chronicity of ulcer
Coding Notes
Document ulcer characteristics clearly to avoid misclassification.
L03.115 - Cellulitis of right lower limb
Use when cellulitis is present in the foot.
Applicable To
- Cellulitis of foot
Excludes
- Chronic ulcer (L97.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and warmth
Coding Notes
Document infection signs to support cellulitis coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Long-term (current) use of insulin
Z79.4Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting 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: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates for ulcer documentation., Train staff on documentation requirements.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Always sequence the diabetes code before the ulcer code.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied for lack of specificity., Compliance: Violates ICD-10 documentation requirements., Data Quality: Reduces data accuracy for clinical analysis.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the laterality of the ulcer.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of ulcer characteristics.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement detailed documentation templates.
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 Foot Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Foot Infection
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Foot Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Diabetic foot ulcer with infection
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- Ulcer location and size
- Signs of infection
- Diabetes management details
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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