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ICD-10 Coding for Right Foot Ulcer(L97.411, E11.621)

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

Also known as:

Ulcer of Right FootRight Foot Ulceration

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Foot Ulcer

L97.4-L97.5Primary Range

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

This range includes codes for chronic ulcers of the right foot, specifying location and severity.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer

Used as a primary code when the ulcer is due to diabetes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L97.411Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right heel and midfoot limited to breakdown of skinUse for non-pressure ulcers on the right heel or midfoot with skin breakdown.
  • Documentation of ulcer location on right heel or midfoot
  • Evidence of skin breakdown
E11.621Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcerUse as a primary code when the ulcer is due to diabetes.
  • Diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes
  • Presence of 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 right foot ulcer

Essential facts and insights about Right Foot Ulcer

The ICD-10 code for a right foot ulcer, particularly with diabetes, is E11.621 followed by L97.4- for location.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right foot ulcer

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right heel and midfoot limited to breakdown of skin
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ulcer located on right heel or midfoot with skin breakdown

Applicable To

  • Right heel ulcer
  • Right midfoot ulcer

Excludes

  • Pressure ulcer of right heel (L89.62-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of ulcer location on right heel or midfoot
  • Evidence of skin breakdown

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as pressure ulcer

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies non-pressure ulcer.

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 when the patient is on insulin therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Pressure ulcer of right heel

L89.62-
Presence of pressure as the primary cause.

Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with foot ulcer

E08.621
Diabetes due to another medical condition.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Foot Ulcer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L97.411.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of specificity can affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: May lead to audits and claim denials., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific ulcer characteristics, Avoid using unspecified codes

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on diabetes-related complications.

Mitigation Strategy

Always sequence E11.621 before L97.4- codes.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of diabetes and ulcer codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on ICD-10 sequencing rules.

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 Right Foot Ulcer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Foot Ulcer

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

Diabetic foot ulcer management

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Ulcer location
  • Depth and severity
  • Diabetes status
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3 cm ulcer on the right heel, extending to subcutaneous fat. Type 2 diabetes with HbA1c of 8.5%. Treatment includes debridement and offloading.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Ulcer on right foot.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm ulcer on right heel, extending to subcutaneous fat, in a patient with Type 2 diabetes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, depth, and underlying condition.

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

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