ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code L97.221: Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf limited to breakdown of skin
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf limited to breakdown of skin in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
12Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
block
L80-L99Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
category
L97Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified
category
L97.2Non-pressure chronic ulcer of calf
category
L97.22Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf
currentL97.22
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
Dermatologist
Related codes
L97.222Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with fat layer exposedcodeL97.223Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with necrosis of musclecodeL97.224Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with necrosis of bonecodeL97.225Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosiscodeL97.226Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with bone involvement without evidence of necrosiscodeL97.228Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with other specified severitycodeL97.229Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with unspecified severitycode
Sibling codes
L97.222Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with fat layer exposedbillableL97.223Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with necrosis of musclebillableL97.224Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with necrosis of bonebillableL97.225Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosisbillableL97.226Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with bone involvement without evidence of necrosisbillableL97.228Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with other specified severitybillableL97.229Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf with unspecified severitybillable
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 93923high
COMPLETE BILATERAL NONINVASIVE PHYSIOLOGIC STUDIES OF UPPER OR LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIES, 3 OR MORE LEVELS (EG, FOR LOWER EXTREMITY: ANKLE/BRACHIAL INDICES AT DISTAL POSTERIOR TIBIAL AND ANTERIOR TIBIAL/DORSALIS PEDIS ARTERIES PLUS SEGMENTAL BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS WITH BIDIRECTIONAL DOPPLER WAVEFORM RECORDING AND ANALYSIS, AT 3 OR MORE LEVELS, OR ANKLE/BRACHIAL INDICES AT DISTAL POSTERIOR TIBIAL AND ANTERIOR TIBIAL/DORSALIS PEDIS ARTERIES PLUS SEGMENTAL VOLUME PLETHYSMOGRAPHY AT 3 OR MORE LEVELS, OR ANKLE/BRACHIAL INDICES AT DISTAL POSTERIOR TIBIAL AND ANTERIOR TIBIAL/DORSALIS PEDIS ARTERIES PLUS SEGMENTAL TRANSCUTANEOUS OXYGEN TENSION MEASUREMENTS AT 3 OR MORE LEVELS), OR SINGLE LEVEL STUDY WITH PROVOCATIVE FUNCTIONAL MANEUVERS (EG, MEASUREMENTS WITH POSTURAL PROVOCATIVE TESTS, OR MEASUREMENTS WITH REACTIVE HYPEREMIA)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97598high
DEBRIDEMENT (EG, HIGH PRESSURE WATERJET WITH/WITHOUT SUCTION, SHARP SELECTIVE DEBRIDEMENT WITH SCISSORS, SCALPEL AND FORCEPS), OPEN WOUND, (EG, FIBRIN, DEVITALIZED EPIDERMIS AND/OR DERMIS, EXUDATE, DEBRIS, BIOFILM), INCLUDING TOPICAL APPLICATION(S), WOUND ASSESSMENT, USE OF A WHIRLPOOL, WHEN PERFORMED AND INSTRUCTION(S) FOR ONGOING CARE, PER SESSION, TOTAL WOUND(S) SURFACE AREA; EACH ADDITIONAL 20 SQ CM, OR PART THEREOF (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97597high
DEBRIDEMENT (EG, HIGH PRESSURE WATERJET WITH/WITHOUT SUCTION, SHARP SELECTIVE DEBRIDEMENT WITH SCISSORS, SCALPEL AND FORCEPS), OPEN WOUND, (EG, FIBRIN, DEVITALIZED EPIDERMIS AND/OR DERMIS, EXUDATE, DEBRIS, BIOFILM), INCLUDING TOPICAL APPLICATION(S), WOUND ASSESSMENT, USE OF A WHIRLPOOL, WHEN PERFORMED AND INSTRUCTION(S) FOR ONGOING CARE, PER SESSION, TOTAL WOUND(S) SURFACE AREA; FIRST 20 SQ CM OR LESS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 93970high
DUPLEX SCAN OF EXTREMITY VEINS INCLUDING RESPONSES TO COMPRESSION AND OTHER MANEUVERS; COMPLETE BILATERAL STUDY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 93971high
DUPLEX SCAN OF EXTREMITY VEINS INCLUDING RESPONSES TO COMPRESSION AND OTHER MANEUVERS; UNILATERAL OR LIMITED STUDY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 93925high
DUPLEX SCAN OF LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIES OR ARTERIAL BYPASS GRAFTS; COMPLETE BILATERAL STUDY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Coding guidelines
Common synonyms
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf limited to breakdown of skin
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.