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ICD-10 Coding for Venous Ulceration(I87.2, L97.322)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Venous Ulceration. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Venous Stasis UlcerVaricose Ulcer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Venous Ulceration

I83-I87Primary Range

Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for venous insufficiency and varicose veins, which are primary causes of venous ulceration.

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

This range is used to specify the severity and location of the ulcer.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
I87.2Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (peripheral) without complicationsUse when venous insufficiency is present without varicose veins.
  • Documented chronic venous insufficiency
  • Ulcer location and severity
L97.322Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left ankle with fat layer exposedUse to specify the severity and location of the ulcer.
  • Ulcer depth and location documented

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 venous ulceration

Essential facts and insights about Venous Ulceration

Venous ulceration is coded using I87.2 for chronic venous insufficiency without varicose veins, and L97.- for ulcer severity and location.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for venous ulceration

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (peripheral) without complications
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of chronic venous insufficiency without varicose veins

Applicable To

  • Chronic venous insufficiency without varicose veins

Excludes

  • Varicose veins with ulcer (I83.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented chronic venous insufficiency
  • Ulcer location and severity

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when varicose veins are present

Coding Notes

  • Always sequence I87.2 before L97.- for ulcer severity.

Ancillary Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene

E11.51
Use when diabetes contributes to the venous insufficiency.

Differential Codes

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

Varicose veins of lower extremities with ulcer

I83.0-
Use when varicose veins are present with the ulcer.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Venous Ulceration to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code I87.2.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the underlying venous condition., Use appropriate ICD-10 codes for both the ulcer and its cause.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the quality of healthcare data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the side of the body affected.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific details are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific ulcer details.

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 Venous Ulceration, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Venous Ulceration

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Venous Ulceration. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Follow-up visit for venous ulcer

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Ulcer location
  • Ulcer size
  • Ulcer depth
  • Exudate description
  • Periwound condition
  • Vascular assessment

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 5x3 cm ulcer on the left medial malleolus, exposing fat. Moderate serous exudate noted. ABI 0.85. Plan: Compression therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Venous ulcer on leg.
Good Documentation Example
6x4 cm non-pressure ulcer of left medial malleolus with granulation tissue; pitting edema; ABI 0.9.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the ulcer's size, location, and vascular status, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Venous Ulceration? Ask your questions below.

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