The most common areas where pressure sores occur include:
Other acute ischemic heart diseases (I24)
Pressure ulcer of right buttock, stage 2
Venous insufficiency (chronic) (peripheral)
Non-pressure chronic ulcers are similar to pressure ulcers in that they require documentation of the site, severity and laterality. Category L97 and L98 are for non-pressure ulcers, and have an instructional note to code first any associated underlying condition, such as: Associated gangrene.
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites with unspecified severity. L98. 499 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM L98.
ICD-10-CM Code for Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of unspecified foot with unspecified severity L97. 509.
ICD-10 code L98. 499 for Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites with unspecified severity is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue .
Chronic venous hypertension (idiopathic) with ulcer of bilateral lower extremity. I87. 313 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM I87.
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.
ICD-10-CM Code for Atherosclerosis of native arteries of other extremities with ulceration I70. 25.
ICD-10 Code for Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of right foot with unspecified severity- L97. 519- Codify by AAPC.
Neuropathic ulcers occur when a patient with poor neurological function of the peripheral nervous system has pressure points that cause ulceration through the epidermal and dermal tissue layers. This is a common condition in the foot, and occasionally other body parts.
The affected area forms a blister, progresses to an open sore, and finally forms a crater that extends to the tissue below the skin. Non-pressure chronic arterial ulcers result from an inadequate blood supply due to peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, trauma, or advanced age.
Pressure ulcer/injury codes are located in the ICD-10 code category L89. There are more than 160 combination codes in the ICD-10 category L89 which identify the site, stage, and generally, the laterality of the ulcer. ICD-10 code category L89.
A: The coder would report ICD-10-CM code I96 (gangrene, not elsewhere classified) as the principal diagnosis because of the “code first” note under code category L89. - (pressure ulcer). The coder would then report ICD-10-CM code L89. 623 (pressure ulcer of left heel, stage 3), as a secondary diagnosis.
ICD-10 Code for Non-pressure chronic ulcer of other part of foot- L97. 5- Codify by AAPC.
Duodenal ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation. K26. 9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
998.83 - Non-healing surgical wound | ICD-10-CM.
Full-Thickness – A full-Thickness wound indicates that damage extends below the epidermis and dermis (all layers of the skin) into the subcutaneous tissue or beyond (into muscle, bone, tendons, etc.).
Coding guidelines for venous stasis ulcers require that the provider must indicate the presence of varicose veins, laterality, inflammation, and the severity of the venous stasis ulcer. Documentation and coding include: Varicose veins of the right lower extremity with both ulcer and inflammation on the calf, I83.212.
Diabetic or neurotropic ulcers are foot ulcers that are open sores or wounds on the feet that do not completely heal or return after initial healing. These ulcers typically occur as a result of advancing diabetes and affect weight-bearing points on the bottom of the foot.
Click image below to see larger detail. Venous Stasis Ulcers. A venous stasis ulcer is a breakdown of skin caused by fluid buildup from poor vein function (i.e., venous insufficiency). Risk factors include obesity, varicose veins, blood clots in the legs, and leg injury.
Pressure Ulcers. A pressure ulcer is an injury to the skin occurring when a patient sits too long or remains in the same position. When this happens, the cells and tissue in that area die, resulting in an open sore. In severe cases, the muscle, tendon, or bone may begin to show.
Typical descriptors for the skin status include the following: Shear – stretching of the tissues when a patient's body is moved up in bed.
Pressure ulcers occur on pressure points, such as the tailbone, buttocks, elbows, heels, and hips. Click image below to see larger detail. There are four stages of pressure ulcers. The table in Figure 2 provides details on each stage. The physician must document the presence of a pressure ulcer.
The occurrence of an arterial ulcer is a risk factor of PAD. The provider must document atherosclerosis of native arteries, including laterality, and indicate the location and severity of the ulcer. An arterial ulcer can be coded as: Atherosclerosis of native arteries of left ankle with ulceration, I70.243.
Typically, the primary diagnosis for a patient who has an arterial ulcer will be Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD. This is a circulatory in which blood cannot move freely through the patient’s arteries due to narrowing or other restriction. The occurrence of an arterial ulcer is a risk factor for PAD.
While WOCN has not yet released specific guidance for the determination of the severity of these ulcers, the general levels of severity are considered to be as follows: — The ulcer is limited to the breakdown of the skin. There may be an abrasion blister and partial skin loss involving the epidermis and/or dermis.
Circulation problems which lead to ischemic, or arterial, ulcers may be caused by conditions such as coronary disease, artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or smoking.
It can lead to Peripheral Arterial Disease or Peripheral Vascular Disease. Atherosclerosis of the extremities is classified in ICD-10 to Code I70.2-.
The appearance of the ulcer with regard to shearing and stretching of the tissue, whether dead tissue is sloughing off or whether there is eschar, a black tissue that can create a hard shell over an ulcer, is important to properly code an arterial ulcer.
A fifth digit will be required when coding atherosclerosis and will indicate complications associated with atherosclerosis, such as intermittent claudication (which is pain while walking that resolves when resting), ulceration and gangrene.
Certain lifestyle changes can help prevent ischemic ulcers. If you have a wound, taking these steps can improve blood flow and aid healing. Quit smoking. Smoking can lead to clogged arteries. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar level under control. This will help you heal faster. Exercise as much as you can.
Other conditions that can cause ischemic wounds include: Diseases that cause inflammation, such as lupus. High blood pressure. High cholesterol levels. Chronic kidney disease. Blockage of the lymph vessels, which causes fluid to build up in the legs. Smoking.
If you are at risk for ischemic ulcers, taking these steps may help prevent problems: Check your feet and legs every day. Check the tops and bottoms, ankles, heels, and between your toes. Look for changes in color and red or sore areas. Wear shoes that fit properly and do not rub or put pressure on your feet.
Poor blood flow causes cells to die and damages tissue. Most ischemic ulcers occur on the feet and legs. These types of wounds can be slow to heal.