2022 ICD-10-CM Codes L89*: Pressure ulcer ICD-10-CM Codes › L00-L99 Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue › L80-L99 Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue › Pressure ulcer L89 Pressure ulcer L89- Code First any associated gangrene ( I96) Type 2 Excludes decubitus (trophic) ulcer of cervix (uteri) ( N86) diabetic ulcers (
L89.10 - Pressure ulcer of unspecified part of back NON-BILLABLE CODE. L89.100 - Pressure ulcer of unspecified part of back, unstageable BILLABLE CODE. L89.101 - Pressure ulcer of unspecified part of back, stage 1 BILLABLE CODE. L89.102 - Pressure ulcer of unspecified part of back, stage 2 BILLABLE CODE.
The category of codes for pressure ulcers (L89) has a note to code first any associated gangrene from category I96. Tip: Because there are several pages of ICD-10-CM codes for pressure ulcers, make a note at the top of each page of your ICD-10-CM manual to remind you to code associated gangrene first, if applicable.
Pressure ulcers are areas of damaged skin and tissue developing as a result of compromised circulation. When a patient stays in one position without movement, the weight of the bones against the skin inhibits circulation and causes an ulceration of the tissue. Pressure ulcers usually form near the heaviest bones (buttocks, hips, and heels).
The sequence depends on the pressure ulcer being treated. If all the pressure ulcers are being treated, sequence the code for the most severe pressure ulcer first. Example: A patient with a stage 3 pressure ulcer on her left heel and a stage 2 pressure ulcer of her left hip is scheduled for debridement.
An unstageable ulcer is when the base of the ulcer is covered in eschar or slough so much that it cannot be determined how deep the ulcer is. This diagnosis is determined based on the clinical documentation. This code should not be used if the stage is not documented.
Pressure ulcers usually form near the heaviest bones (buttocks, hips, and heels). There are stages of pressure ulcers that identify the extent of the tissue damage. Stage 1—Persistent focal erythema. Stage 2—Partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis, dermis, or both.
If the pressure ulcer is healed completely , a code is not reported for the pressure ulcer. There are some cases where the pressure ulcer will get worse during the course of the admission. For example, the patient is admitted for treatment of a stage 2 ulcer that progresses to stage 3.
Non-pressure chronic ulcers are similar to pressure ulcers in that they require documentation of the site, severity and laterality. Category L97 and L98 are for non-pressure ulcers, and have an instructional note to code first any associated underlying condition, such as: 1 Associated gangrene 2 Atherosclerosis of the lower extremities 3 Chronic venous hypertension 4 Diabetic ulcers 5 Postphlebetic syndrome 6 Postthrombotic syndrome 7 Varicose ulcers
Non-pressure chronic ulcers are similar to pressure ulcers in that they require documentation of the site, severity and laterality. Category L97 and L98 are for non-pressure ulcers, and have an instructional note to code first any associated underlying condition, such as: The severity of the ulcers is described as:
Unstageable: Based on clinical documentation the stage cannot be determined clinically (e.g., the wound is covered with eschar) or for ulcers documented as deep tissue injury without evidence of trauma.
ICD-10-CM codes for pressure ulcers, located in Category L89, are combination codes that identify the site, stage and (in most cases) the laterality of the ulcer. Possible stages are 1-4 and unstageable.
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The pressure ulcers on the elbows are documented as partial thickness into the dermis, which supports stage 2 (stated to be healing or abrasion, blister, partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis and/or dermis)—which again matches the physician documentation.
Stage 2: An abrasion, blister and partial thickness skin loss involving the dermis and epidermis
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Also, if the provider does not document the specific pressure ulcer stage, medical coders should check documentation for language that matches the NPUAP definitions in order to code the ulcer to a particular stage. Two specific recommendations for clinical documentation improvement (CDI) related to pressure ulcers include:
The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) serves as the authoritative voice to improve patient outcomes in pressure injury prevention and treatment. It is an important resource for coding professionals. Internationally recognized, the NPUAP provides established pressure ulcer documentation guidelines to describe the different pressure ulcer stages. This verbiage is accepted and can be translated into a stage associated with ICD-10-CM codes for proper pressure ulcer coding.
Individual codes are generally 6-characters long with 5-character codes for pressure ulcers of unspecified sites. The category of codes for pressure ulcers (L89) has a note to code first any associated gangrene from category I96.
However, you must have a diagnosis from the physician that indicates a pressure ulcer. Nursing or wound care documentation can then be used for more complete coding pressure ulcers. Also, if the provider does not document ...
The term “non-pressure ulcer” was coined to designate a primary mechanism other than shear or pressure. If there is poor circulation, such as that caused by venous or arterial insufficiency or excessive moisture or trauma, a patient may develop a non-pressure ulcer.
Pressure ulcers are deemed patient safety indicators and hospital acquired conditions because a concerted program for prevention and treatment can prevent them and protect our patients from iatrogenic harm. The diagnosis of a “pressure ulcer” may trigger prevalence and incident reporting.
A “diabetic foot ulcer,” which is caused exclusively by hyperglycemia, in the absence of neuropathy or ischemia, is a rarity. That term almost always refers to an ulcer on the foot of a diabetic that derives from neuro/ischemic etiology, as opposed to being strictly and principally due to pressure injury.
The American Podiatric Medical Association adds that “ (diabetic foot) ulcers form due to a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (such as friction or pressure), and trauma, as well as duration of diabetes.” They go on to note that “vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer, reducing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk for an infection.”
Neuropathy results in malum perforans pedis (a.k.a. bad perforating foot) ulcers. These are painless, non-necrotic, circular lesions circumscribed by hyperkeratosis. They often overlie a metatarsal head. Ischemic wounds manifest local signs of ischemia such as thin, shiny, hairless skin with pallor and coldness. These are often found at areas of friction and may be painful.
Shear and pressure are the mechanisms that lead to what are known as “pressure injuries.” In 2016, the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) recommended transitioning to the terminology of “pressure injury” because although underlying tissue may be damaged, overlying skin may appear intact. Pressure injuries with skin breakdown are considered pressure ulcers. An additional L89 code specifies the stage (depth of tissue injury) and the anatomical site.
The plantar surface is the most common site of ulceration, especially at areas of bony prominence.”.