Pressure Ulcer ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023
Read this short guide to learn about Pressure Ulcer ICD codes you can use!
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What Pressure Ulcer ICD-10 codes can I use?
If you’re looking for Pressure Ulcer ICD codes, we’d like you to know that there’s a lot! There are too many to list here, but we selected six examples to give you an idea of what to expect when searching for such codes. Here they are:
- L89.000 - Pressure ulcer of unspecified elbow, unstageable
- L89.100 - Pressure ulcer of unspecified part of back, unstageable
- L89.150 - Pressure ulcer of sacral region, unstageable
- L89.200 - Pressure ulcer of unspecified hip, unstageable
- L89.300 - Pressure ulcer of unspecified buttock, unstageable
- L89.500 - Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, unstageable
These ICD-10 codes are straightforward. They’re meant to be used on patients confirmed to have a pressure ulcer. You just need to select the code based on the location of the pressure ulcer.
For those with the unspecified label, you need to select a more specific code later when you’ve identified the exact location of the Pressure Ulcer (e.g., right elbow, left hip, left ankle).
For those with the unstageable label, the specific Pressure Ulcer stage hasn’t been identified. Similar to the unspecified label, you must select a more specific code that designates the Pressure Ulcer stage. However, pressure ulcers can be unstageable (meaning you can’t determine the specific stage).
Are these Pressure Ulcer ICD-10 codes billable?
Yes. All the ICD-10 codes for Pressure Ulcers listed above are valid and billable.
Clinical information about Pressure Ulcers:
Pressure Ulcers, commonly referred to as Bedsores, are wounds that emerge due to prolonged pressure on the skin. Prolonged pressure can eventually restrict blood flow in certain areas, leading to tissue damage.
An example of a situation in which a person might have prolonged pressure exerted on parts of their body is being bedridden. Another would be those who sit in wheelchairs for too long. These people are the most at risk of having pressure ulcers. A comatose person is highly at risk for this too, and so are those who wear casts or prosthetic devices.
Pressure Ulcers can affect any body part. The most common parts they affect include the elbows, back, buttocks, hips, tailbone, ankles, and heels.
They also come in four stages:
- Stage 1: the affected area is red or pink, and it might feel firm or soft.
- Stage 2: a shallow wound emerges, and there might be abrasions, blisters, and skin loss
- Stage 3: the wound is large enough that it reaches the hypodermis
- Stage 4: the wound is large enough that it cuts through all three layers of the skin and exposes the muscles, tendons, and bones
Synonyms include:
- Pressure ulcer - Stage 1
- Pressure ulcer - Stage 2
- Pressure ulcer - Stage 3
- Pressure ulcer - Stage 4
- Bedsores
- Bedsores - Stage 1
- Bedsores - Stage 2
- Bedsores - Stage 3
- Bedsores - Stage 4
- Pressure ulcer ICD 10
- ICD 10 pressure ulcer
- ICD-10 code for pressure ulcer
- ICD 10 code for pressure ulcer
- Sacral pressure ulcer ICD 10
Commonly asked questions
Potentially. As much as possible, they should be treated while they’re in Stage 1. If left unchecked and untreated, it could lead to complications like bone infections, bacterial infections, and sepsis.
Pressure must be relieved to treat bedsores. Stage 1 bedsores can easily be treated, but Stage 2 to 4 need wound care and managemen. This includes cleaning wounds and applying dressing. Pain relievers, antibiotics, and NSAIDs will likely be administered, too.
They will likely undergo debridement, a procedure that removes dead tissue. Skin grafts can be performed to close the wounds properly.
