Varicose veins of left lower extremity with ulcer of ankle

This code signifies the presence of abnormally dilated and tortuous veins in the patient's left lower limb, specifically complicated by an open sore or lesion located on the ankle. This ulceration is directly attributable to the underlying venous insufficiency.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates varicose veins affecting the left lower extremity, and a venous ulcer is present on the ankle. This diagnosis is supported by physician notes detailing the location of the varicose veins, the presence and location of the ulcer, and a causal link between the two.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "left" lower extremity and "ankle" for the ulcer location.
• Do not use this code if the ulcer is due to arterial insufficiency, pressure, or other non-venous causes.
• Consider additional codes for severity of the ulcer (e.g., non-pressure chronic ulcer codes) if further detail is provided.