2021 ICD-10-CM Code S80.829
Blister (nonthermal), unspecified lower leg
Not Valid for Submission
S80.829 is a "header" nonspecific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of blister (nonthermal), unspecified lower leg. The code is NOT valid for the year 2021 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.
The ICD-10-CM code S80.829 might also be used to specify conditions or terms like blister of lower leg with infection, blister of lower leg without infection, traumatic blister of lower leg or traumatic blister of lower leg, infected.
Unspecified diagnosis codes like S80.829 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.
| ICD-10: | S80.829 |
| Short Description: | Blister (nonthermal), unspecified lower leg |
| Long Description: | Blister (nonthermal), unspecified lower leg |
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Blister (nonthermal), unspecified lower leg
Header codes like S80.829 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for blister (nonthermal), unspecified lower leg:
Approximate Synonyms
The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:
- Blister of lower leg with infection
- Blister of lower leg without infection
- Traumatic blister of lower leg
- Traumatic blister of lower leg, infected
Information for Patients
Blisters
Also called: Bulla, Vesicle
What are blisters?
Blisters are fluid-filled sacs on the outer layer of your skin. They form because of rubbing, heat, or diseases of the skin. They are most common on your hands and feet.
Other names for blisters are vesicles (usually for smaller blisters) and bulla (for larger blisters).
What causes blisters?
Blisters often happen when there is friction - rubbing or pressure - on one spot. For example, if your shoes don't fit quite right and they keep rubbing part of your foot. Or if you don't wear gloves when you rake leaves and the handle keeps rubbing against your hand. Other causes of blisters include
- Burns
- Sunburn
- Frostbite
- Eczema
- Allergic reactions
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac
- Autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus
- Epidermolysis bullosa, an illness that causes the skin to be fragile
- Viral infections such as varicella zoster (which causes chickenpox and shingles) and herpes simplex (which causes cold sores)
- Skin infections including impetigo
What are the treatments for blisters?
Blisters will usually heal on their own. The skin over the blister helps keep out infections. You can put a bandage on the blister to keep it clean. Make sure that there is no more rubbing or friction on the blister.
You should contact your health care provider if
- The blister looks infected - if it is draining pus, or the area around the blister is red, swollen, warm, or very painful
- You have a fever
- You have several blisters, especially if you cannot figure out what is causing them
- You have health problems such as circulation problems or diabetes
Normally you don't want to drain a blister, because of the risk of infection. But if a blister is large, painful, or looks like it will pop on its own, you can drain the fluid.
Can blisters be prevented?
There are some things you can do to prevent friction blisters:
- Make sure that your shoes fit properly
- Always wear socks with your shoes, and make sure that the socks fit well. You may want to wear socks that are acrylic or nylon, so they keep moisture away from your feet.
- Wear gloves or protective gear on your hands when you use any tools or sports equipment that cause friction.
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Code History
- FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
- FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
- FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
- FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
- FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
- FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)