ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.014

L89.014

Billable

Pressure ulcer of right elbow, stage 4

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.014 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of right elbow, stage 4.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.014 refers to a stage 4 pressure ulcer located on the right elbow. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin, often in patients with limited mobility. The right elbow, being a bony prominence, is particularly susceptible to ulceration. Clinically, stage 4 pressure ulcers are characterized by full-thickness skin loss, exposing underlying structures such as muscle, bone, or supporting tissue. The ulcer may present with necrotic tissue and is often accompanied by infection, which can complicate healing. Disease progression can lead to severe complications, including systemic infections and sepsis if not managed appropriately. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, assessment of the ulcer's size and depth, and evaluation for signs of infection. Proper staging is crucial for treatment planning and monitoring healing. Healthcare providers must document the ulcer's characteristics, treatment interventions, and patient response to care to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification of ulcer stage.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the extent of tissue damage is not clearly recorded.
  • Billing challenges can occur if treatment plans are not adequately documented.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Wound care specialists

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Pressure ulcers, particularly stage 4, have significant clinical implications, including increased morbidity and healthcare costs. They are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Effective management of pressure ulcers can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and enhance quality of care. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers is crucial for healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and improve overall population health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Pressure ulcers, particularly stage 4, have significant clinical implications, including increased morbidity and healthcare costs. They are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Effective management of pressure ulcers can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and enhance quality of care. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers is crucial for healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and improve overall population health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the ulcer, the complexity of care, and adherence to clinical guidelines. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding of the ulcer stage. It is essential to ensure that all treatment plans, including debridement and wound care management, are well-documented to support the claim and avoid billing challenges.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for L00-L99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by L89.014?

L89.014 specifically covers stage 4 pressure ulcers located on the right elbow, characterized by full-thickness skin loss and exposure of underlying structures. It is important to differentiate this from other stages of pressure ulcers and other skin conditions.

When should L89.014 be used instead of related codes?

L89.014 should be used when documenting a stage 4 pressure ulcer on the right elbow. It is crucial to use this code when the ulcer has progressed to full-thickness skin loss, as opposed to lower stage codes which indicate less severe damage.

What documentation supports L89.014?

Documentation for L89.014 should include a detailed description of the ulcer's size, depth, and characteristics, as well as any signs of infection. Treatment plans and patient assessments should also be documented to support the severity of the condition.