Episode 05 – Specific Diagnosis Coding Instructions for Venous Ulcers

In Episode 5 of Reimbursement Readiness: Business Tips for Wound Practice, expert Donna Cartwright returns to guide wound care professionals through ICD-10-CM coding for venous ulcers. This in-depth episode covers:

• Key coding terms in the Alphabetic Index: atherosclerosis, varicose veins, post-thrombotic syndrome, and chronic venous hypertension
• Navigating ICD-10-CM code ranges (I70, I83, I87, L97) and using combination codes
• Applying “code first” and “use additional code” instructions
• Avoiding unspecified codes by accurately identifying ulcer causes and locations
• Coding for both underlying conditions and ulcer severity

This episode provides essential tools for selecting the most specific, audit-ready diagnosis codes—and reinforces that coverage policies follow these coding rules too.

ICD-10-CM Guidelines (FY25 October 1, 2024)
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fy-2025-icd-10-cm-coding-guidelines.pdf