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ICD-10 Coding for Ulcer Right Foot(L97.51, L97.41, E11.621)

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

Also known as:

Right Foot UlcerChronic Ulcer of Right Foot

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ulcer Right Foot

L97.4-L97.5Primary Range

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

This range includes codes for chronic ulcers of the lower limb, specifically the right foot, and is essential for coding non-pressure ulcers.

E11.621

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer

This code is used when the ulcer is a complication of diabetes, which is common in foot ulcers.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L97.51Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of right footUse for chronic ulcers located on the right foot excluding heel and midfoot.
  • Documentation of ulcer location on the right foot
  • Depth of ulcer specified
L97.41Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right heel and midfootUse for chronic ulcers located on the right heel or midfoot.
  • Documentation of ulcer location on the right heel or midfoot
  • Depth of ulcer specified
E11.621Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcerUse when the foot ulcer is a complication of type 2 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 Ulcer Right Foot

The ICD-10 code for a non-pressure chronic ulcer of the right foot is L97.51. If related to diabetes, use E11.621 first.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ulcer right foot

L97.51
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of right foot
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Ulcer located on the right foot, excluding heel and midfoot.

documentation Criteria

  • Depth of ulcer must be documented.

Applicable To

  • Ulcer of right foot, not involving heel or midfoot

Excludes

  • Pressure ulcer of right foot

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of ulcer location on the right foot
  • Depth of ulcer specified

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Omission of ulcer depth

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the ulcer's exact location and depth.
View Full Code Details

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 of right ankle

L89.51
Use only if pressure is documented as the primary cause.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer

E10.621
Use for type 1 diabetes instead of type 2.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ulcer Right Foot to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L97.51.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation standards., Use templates that prompt for depth information.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the exact location of the ulcer on the right foot.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can affect DRG assignment., Compliance: Violates coding sequencing rules., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Sequence diabetes code (E11.621) before the ulcer code (L97.51-).

Impact

Using unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific location of the ulcer.

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

Documentation Templates for Ulcer Right Foot

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

Diabetic foot ulcer on right forefoot

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Location: Right forefoot
  • Size: Length x Width x Depth
  • Depth: Skin, fat, muscle, or bone involvement
  • Etiology: Diabetes
  • Treatment: Current management plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3cm x 2cm x 0.5cm ulcer on the right forefoot, involving subcutaneous fat. The ulcer is secondary to type 2 diabetes. Patient is on insulin therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right foot ulcer, diabetic.
Good Documentation Example
3cm ulcer on right forefoot, involving subcutaneous fat, secondary to type 2 diabetes. Patient on insulin.
Explanation
The good example specifies location, depth, and links the ulcer to diabetes, meeting documentation requirements.

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

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