Wiki Ulcer and Diabetes clarification

alicia

New
Messages
4
Location
Lebanon, PA
Best answers
0
Recently I was told that if a patient is diabetic then the ulcer is always a diabetic ulcer. I do not feel this is correct. The ulcer could be from venous insufficiency or a number of other issues, not just diabetes. Am I correct? :confused:

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
 
The physician would need to document that the ulcer is due to diabetes. You cant always assume that the two are related. If documentation isn't specific then I would query the physician.
 
I agree- to further back that up, it states in the Coders Desk Reference for Diagnosis (2014) on Page 265 "Note that not all ulcers in diabetic patients are diabetic ulcers. If there is a question regarding linkage of the conditions, query the physician."
 
Top