icd 10 code for diabetic foot ulcer wound care

by Alessandra Olson 9 min read

622, E13. 621, E13. 622).” Of these options, the most commonly used codes for diabetic foot ulcer are E10. 621 (Type 1 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer) and E11.

What is the diagnosis code for diabetic foot ulcer?

diabetic, it is considered a diabetic foot ulcer, and therefore should be coded using an L97- code. This is true even if arterial disease and/or pressure played a role in the develop-ment of this ulcer. ICD-10 Coding

What is ICD 10 for poorly controlled diabetes?

In ICD-10-CM, chapter 4, "Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E89)," includes a separate subchapter (block), Diabetes mellitus E08-E13, with the categories:

  • E08, Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition
  • E09, Drug or chemical induced diabetes mellitus
  • E10, Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  • E11, Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • E13, Other specified diabetes mellitus

How do you treat a diabetic foot ulcer?

What can I do to prevent diabetic foot ulcers?

  • Keep your blood sugar levels under control. Continue the plan for your diabetes that you and your healthcare provider have discussed. ...
  • Protect your feet. Do not walk barefoot or wear your shoes without socks. ...
  • Do not smoke. Nicotine can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk for foot ulcers. ...
  • Maintain a healthy weight. ...

How to prevent and treat diabetic foot ulcers?

  • Bioengineered cell-based therapies: These use fibroblasts (cells that make fibrin) in a matrix or scaffold applied to the ulcer. ...
  • Acellular matrices: This is a temporary skin layer made of collagen, glycosaminoglycan chondroitin-6-sulfate, and silicone.
  • Placental-derived membranes:

More items...

image

What is the ICD-10 code for diabetic foot ulcer?

ICD-10 code E11. 621 for Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases .

What is the ICD-10 code for diabetic foot ulcer left foot?

529: Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of left foot with unspecified severity.

How do you code a diabetic with foot ulcers?

Of these options, the most commonly used codes for diabetic foot ulcers are E10. 621 (Type 1 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer) and E11. 621 (Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer). “Code first” indicates that an additional code is required, and it must be listed first.

What is the ICD-10 code for diabetic wound?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other skin ulcer The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM E11. 622 became effective on October 1, 2021.

What is the ICD-10 code for foot ulcer?

ICD-10-CM Code for Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of unspecified foot with unspecified severity L97. 509.

Is diabetic foot ulcer a pressure ulcer?

Diabetic ulcers may look similar to pressure ulcers; however, it is important to note that they are not the same thing. As the name may imply, diabetic ulcers arise on individuals who have diabetes, and the foot is one of the most common areas affected by these skin sores.

What is the ICD-10 code for diabetic foot infection?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with foot ulcer E11. 621 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What is a diabetic foot ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes, and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Of those who develop a foot ulcer, six percent will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complication.

Is a diabetic ulcer a stasis ulcer?

There are four (4) common types of skin ulcers: venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic neuropathic ulcers and pressure ulcers. Three (3) of these ulcer types are exclusively lower-extremity wounds located on the foot, ankle and lower leg: venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers, and diabetic neuropathic ulcers.

What is the ICD-10 code for diabetic foot ulcer with osteomyelitis?

The primary diagnosis of L97. 522 is appropriate based on what you stated is documented of the wound appearance and measurements. With the detail from the x-ray, add a secondary diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis billed under ICD-10 code M86. 18 (other acute osteomyelitis, other site) since you also stated osteomyelitis.

What is an ulcer on the foot?

Foot ulcers are open sores or lesions that will not heal or that return over a long period of time. These sores result from the breakdown of the skin and tissues of the feet and ankles and can get infected. Symptoms of foot ulcers can include swelling, burning, and pain.

How do you code a diabetic foot exam?

You should use CPT code 99211 for the encounter.

What is the ICD-10 code for ulcers?

ICD-10 codes that start with L97- are used for non-pressure chronic ulcers of the lower limb. These codes are used for diabetic foot ulcers, stasis ulcers, and others. Since the onset of ICD-10, there were only five 6th character options for these L97- codes. These were: These did not leave the option to indicate with our codes that an ulcer had muscle exposed without necrosis of muscle or bone exposed without necrosis of bone. The APWCA worked with the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders to write to the World Health Organization (WHO) and explain this gap in code options and request that more options be created that would allow us to code these scenarios accurately. Our efforts have been recognized! The WHO has announced new 6th character options that can be used with all L97- codes. These go into effect October 1, 2017. The following 6th character options are being added: 5 with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosis 6 with bone involvement without evidence of necrosis These new 6th characters of 5 and 6 allow the option to indicate the ulcer is to the depth of muscle or bone without necrosis at that depth. The new 6th character of 8 should be used if the severity of the ulcer is specified in the documentation, but none of the 6th character options of 1-6 are appropriate. These new 6th characters can be used with any code that begins with L97-. Note: Any ICD-10 code listed above that ends with a - is not complete and requires more characters to complete the code. Nothing discussed in this communication guarantees coverage or payment. The existence of an ICD-10 code does not ensure payment if it used. Coverage and payment policies of governmental and private payers may vary from time to time and in different parts of the country. Questions regarding coverage Continue reading >>

Is foot care covered by Aetna?

Notes: Routine foot care is not covered under most of Aetna plans. Please check benefit plan descriptions for details. Under plans that exclude routine foot care, foot care is considered non-routine and covered only in the following circumstances when medically necessary: The non-professional performance of the service would be hazardous for the member because of an underlying condition or disease; or Routine foot care is performed as a necessary and integral part of an otherwise covered service (e.g., debriding of a nail to expose a subungual ulcer, or treatment of warts); or Debridement of mycotic nails is undertaken when the mycosis/dystrophy of the toenail is causing secondary infection and/or pain, which results or would result in marked limitation of ambulation and require the professional skills of a provider. Routine foot care includes, but is not limited to, the treatment of bunions (except capsular or bone surgery thereof), calluses, clavus, corns, hyperkeratosis and keratotic lesions, keratoderma, nails (except surgery for ingrown nails), plantar keratosis, tyloma or tylomata,and tylosis. The reduction of nails, including the trimming of nails, is also considered routine foot care. Treatment of these conditions may pose a hazard when performed by a non-professional person on individuals with a systemic condition that has resulted in severe circulatory embarrassment or areas of desensitization in the legs or feet. Some of the underlying conditions that may justify coverage of foot care that would otherwise be considered routine include arteriosclerosis, chronic thrombophlebitis, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathies. For plans that do not exclude routine foot care, Aetna does not consider pedicure services, such as routine cutting of nails, in the absence of Continue reading >>

What causes diabetic foot ulcers?

A “diabetic foot ulcer,” which is caused exclusively by hyperglycemia, in the absence of neuropathy or ischemia, is a rarity. That term almost always refers to an ulcer on the foot of a diabetic that derives from neuro/ischemic etiology, as opposed to being strictly and principally due to pressure injury.

Why do diabetics get ulcers on their feet?

The American Podiatric Medical Association adds that “ (diabetic foot) ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (such as friction or pressure), and trauma, as well as duration of diabetes.” They go on to note that “vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, reducing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk for an infection.”

Why do diabetics have neuropathy?

Neuropathy occurs due to damage to the nerves and causes impaired sensation. After 10 years, ~90 percent of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics have some degree of neuropathy, most commonly affecting the feet and legs, and 90 percent of diabetic foot ulcers have diabetic neuropathy as a contributing factor. If the diabetic doesn’t recognize discomfort due to nerve impairment, they may not adjust their shoes and socks or seek medical attention for minor cuts or blisters.

What is a malum perforans pedis ulcer?

Neuropathy results in malum perforans pedis (a.k.a. bad perforating foot) ulcers. These are painless, non-necrotic, circular lesions circumscribed by hyperkeratosis. They often overlie a metatarsal head. Ischemic wounds manifest local signs of ischemia such as thin, shiny, hairless skin with pallor and coldness. These are often found at areas of friction and may be painful.

Why are pressure ulcers considered a patient safety indicator?

Pressure ulcers are deemed patient safety indicators and hospital acquired conditions because a concerted program for prevention and treatment can prevent them and protect our patients from iatrogenic harm. The diagnosis of a “pressure ulcer” may trigger prevalence and incident reporting.

Why should we specifically carve out pressure ulcers?

Why should we specifically carve out pressure ulcers? Pressure ulcers are deemed patient safety indicators and hospital acquired conditions because a concerted program for prevention and treatment can prevent them and protect our patients from iatrogenic harm. The diagnosis of a “pressure ulcer” may trigger prevalence and incident reporting.

What is non pressure ulcer?

The term “non-pressure ulcer” was coined to designate a primary mechanism other than shear or pressure. If there is poor circulation, such as that caused by venous or arterial insufficiency or excessive moisture or trauma, a patient may develop a non-pressure ulcer.

What is wound care?

For the purposes of this LCD, wound care is defined as care of wounds that are refractory to healing or have complicated healing cycles either because of the nature of the wound itself or because of complicating metabolic and/or physiological factors.

What is active wound care?

Active wound care procedures are performed to remove necrotic tissue and/or devitalized tissue to promote healing. Providers are responsible to determine medical necessity and use the appropriate current CPT/HCPCS code for service provided. Please consult the current AMA CPT book for the complete code description of the procedures being performed to submit claims.

Is debridement necessary for diabetic foot ulcers?

The request in the reconsideration was to specifically add DFU for coverage. The reviewed literature and comments support evidence for diabetic foot wounds with an etiology other than neurological or ischemic injury. Such other causes include deformity, limited ankle range of motion, high plantar foot pressures, minor trauma, previous ulceration or amputation and visual impairment. Evidence has shown that debridement of diabetic foot ulcers enhances the healing process when combined with standard wound care for a diabetic foot ulcer. Accepting that not all DFU are neuroischemic and continuing to accept that debridement is an important part of the wound treatment, the LCD has been changed to specifically identify DFU for coverage independent of neurological and ischemic injuries.

Does debridement help ulcers heal?

No study was presented to show clear evidence that debridement improves ulcer healing. One study suggests high frequency debridement improves ulcer healing. There was no data analysis to support this finding and show statistical significance. One study evaluates the DPI and indirectly measures the effect of debridement on DFUs. It is noted however that all ulcers debrided were classified as “neuropathic ulcers.”

image

Terminology

Image
Shear and pressure are the mechanisms that lead to what are known as pressure injuries. In 2016, the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) recommended transitioning to the terminology of pressure injury because although underlying tissue may be damaged, overlying skin may appear intact. Pressure inj…
See more on icd10monitor.com

Diagnosis

  • There are medical diagnoses that predispose patients to develop secondary conditions. Diabetes mellitus is a pervasive endocrinopathy whereby hyperglycemia affects every organ and system in the body, including the nerves and blood vessels. It makes a patient more prone to infection and poor healing. Diabetics are prone to foot ulcers, often with contributions from neuropathic, ische…
See more on icd10monitor.com

Clinical significance

  • Diabetics also often have diseases of both large and small arteries. Poorly controlled blood sugars weaken the small blood vessel walls and predispose patients to arteriosclerosis. This impairs the circulation and causes ischemia of the soft tissues, especially of the lower extremities.
See more on icd10monitor.com

Causes

  • Heel ulcers, however, are usually a consequence of a pressure injury, although it is also possible to have another mechanism cause a non-pressure injury involving the heel. Diabetes may accelerate or complicate the injury. The American Podiatric Medical Association adds that (diabetic foot) ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, po…
See more on icd10monitor.com

Signs and symptoms

  • Neuropathy results in malum perforans pedis (a.k.a. bad perforating foot) ulcers. These are painless, non-necrotic, circular lesions circumscribed by hyperkeratosis. They often overlie a metatarsal head. Ischemic wounds manifest local signs of ischemia such as thin, shiny, hairless skin with pallor and coldness. These are often found at areas of friction and may be painful.
See more on icd10monitor.com

Epidemiology

  • The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society states that ulceration is an extremely common complication in diabetic patients (up to 12 percent of the population). The plantar surface is the most common site of ulceration, especially at areas of bony prominence. The Society also points out that the presence of neuropathy is the key factor in development of diabetic ulceration.
See more on icd10monitor.com

Society and culture

  • In the podiatric literature, NPUAP is often referenced as having given guidance to use diabetic foot ulcer for any ulcer on the foot of a diabetic, even if arterial disease and/or pressure played a role in its development. I think this is simplistic and derived from literature not aimed at physicians/APPs. It is common in the literature to see the term diabetic foot ulcer used for all-co…
See more on icd10monitor.com

Treatment

  • Ultimately, the clinical concern is to treat the lesion appropriately, regardless of the name attached to it. The treatment for both pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers includes offloading (i.e., pressure mitigation, often by means of padding, shoe modifications, contact casts, boots, or non-weight-bearing strategies). Any non-healing wound should be assessed for neuropathy and …
See more on icd10monitor.com