In simple words: Damage to the sensory nerves of the skin on the left ankle and/or foot, first visit.

Injury of cutaneous sensory nerve at ankle and foot level, left leg, initial encounter.

Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room after twisting their left ankle while hiking. Physical examination reveals loss of sensation along the top of the foot, indicating damage to a cutaneous sensory nerve. The diagnosis is confirmed with a nerve conduction study. Code S94.32XA is assigned for the nerve injury., A patient sustains a deep laceration to their left foot in a work-related accident. In addition to repairing the wound, the physician notes damage to a cutaneous sensory nerve. The patient exhibits reduced sensation in the affected area. Code S94.32XA is assigned for the nerve injury, along with a code for the open wound (e.g., S91.-)., A patient with diabetes experiences numbness and tingling in their left foot. Diagnostic testing reveals compression of a cutaneous sensory nerve at the ankle level. The physician performs a surgical decompression procedure to relieve the pressure on the nerve. Code S94.32XA is assigned along with a code for the diabetic neuropathy.

Detailed clinical documentation of the injury, including location and affected nerve(s), physical examination findings (e.g., sensory deficits, motor weakness), and results of any diagnostic tests (e.g., nerve conduction studies, electromyography) should be included. If applicable, documentation of any associated injuries (e.g., open wounds, fractures) should also be present.

** For subsequent encounters related to the same injury, use code S94.32XD. For long-term consequences of the nerve injury, use code S94.32XS. Always ensure the documentation clearly supports the specific nerve injured.