Internal Medicine Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Look at 917.2 for Toe Blister Diagnosis
Published on Wed Apr 17, 2013 
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Question: What is the correct diagnosis for an ischemic blister of the right great toe? I can’t find “blister” under “ischemic” in the ICD-9 index, so is the best choice 915.3?
Answer: The correct choice is 917.2 (Superficial injury of foot and toe[s]; blister without mention of infection). The code you mention, 915.3 (Superficial injury of finger(s); blister, infected) would not apply since you’re coding for a toe.
When filing your claim, include an additional code for retained foreign body (V90.01-V90.9), if applicable. You can also submit an E code(s) to identify the cause and intent of the injury (E800-E999).
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