Is it true that if A patient has diabetes and an ulcer would you Code the as diabetic?

It is not always appropriate to code an ulcer as diabetic simply because the patient has diabetes.

Ulcers can have various causes, and not all ulcers in a patient with diabetes are necessarily related to their diabetic condition. To accurately code an ulcer as diabetic, you will need more specific information to establish a direct link between the ulcer and the patient's diabetes. Here are a few considerations:

Location of the ulcer: Diabetic ulcers typically occur in specific areas, such as the lower extremities (feet) or the pressure points where prolonged pressure can cause skin breakdown. If the ulcer is located in these areas, it may be more likely to be related to diabetes.

Underlying risk factors: Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing diabetic ulcers, such as peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, and a history of foot problems. Assessing these risk factors can help determine if the ulcer is associated with diabetes.

Documentation: The medical documentation provided by the healthcare professional should indicate the ulcer's etiology. If the documentation explicitly states that the ulcer is diabetic in nature, then it is appropriate to code it as such.

Therefore, it is essential to review the patient's medical records, assess the characteristics of the ulcer, and consider any relevant risk factors before determining whether to code the ulcer as diabetic or not. If the information is inconclusive or suggests an alternative cause for the ulcer, it would be more accurate to code it according to its specific etiology.