What is the ICD-10 code for a left leg ulcer?

The ICD-10 code for a left leg ulcer due to chronic venous hypertension is I87.312. For ulcers with specific severity, use L97.222 for those with fat layer exposed.

How do you document a left leg ulcer?

Document the ulcer's location, size, depth, and tissue involvement. Include ABPI results and any vascular assessments to support coding.

ICD-10 Coding for Left Leg Ulcer(I87.312, I83.0, I83.2)

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Explore detailed ICD-10 coding and documentation guidelines for left leg ulcers, including primary and secondary codes, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Lower Extremity UlcerLeft Leg Venous Ulcer

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Leg Ulcer

I00-I99Primary Range

Diseases of the circulatory system

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
I87.312	Chronic venous hypertension (idiopathic) with ulcer of left lower extremity	Use when chronic venous hypertension is present with an ulcer on the left lower extremity.	Venous reflux confirmed by Doppler ultrasound Presence of pitting edema and hemosiderin staining
L97.222	Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with fat layer exposed	Use when the ulcer on the left calf exposes the fat layer.	Ulcer dimensions and depth documented Presence of exposed fat layer

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Chronic venous hypertension (idiopathic) with ulcer of left lower extremity

I87.312Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Varicose veins of left lower extremity with both ulcer and inflammationI83.222

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with muscle involvementL97.223

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Left Leg Ulcer.

Failing to document ulcer severity.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation

Use templates to ensure all details are captured, Regular training on documentation standards

Using unspecified codes like I87.319 instead of specifying laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation

Always specify laterality and severity using the appropriate codes.

Laterality Documentation

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with I87.312.

Primary Code

I87.312

Chronic venous hypertension (idiopathic) with ulcer of left lower extremity

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes9

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Left Leg Ulcer(I87.312, I83.0, I83.2)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for a left leg ulcer?

How do you document a left leg ulcer?

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