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 CodesL89.101

L89.101

Billable

Pressure ulcer of unspecified part of back, stage 1

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.101 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of unspecified part of back, stage 1.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.101 refers to a pressure ulcer of unspecified part of the back, classified as stage 1. This stage is characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin, indicating localized redness that does not fade when pressure is applied. The skin may feel warmer, cooler, firmer, or softer compared to adjacent tissue. The anatomical areas involved typically include the sacral region, lumbar area, or other parts of the back where pressure is commonly exerted, particularly in individuals with limited mobility. Disease progression can lead to more severe stages of pressure ulcers if not properly managed, potentially resulting in skin breakdown and deeper tissue damage. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough skin assessment, patient history, and risk factor evaluation, such as immobility, nutritional status, and comorbid conditions like diabetes or vascular disease. Early identification and intervention are crucial to prevent progression to more severe stages of pressure ulcers.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires assessment of skin integrity and risk factors.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, involving preventive measures and potential referral to wound care specialists.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed notes on skin assessments and interventions.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to stage 1 pressure ulcers, but lacks detail on exact anatomical location.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ulcer stage or anatomical site.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete assessments or lack of evidence for stage determination.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis or if the ulcer is not properly staged.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: Wound care management

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of L89.101 lies in its role in identifying early-stage pressure ulcers, which can significantly impact patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, leading to increased healthcare utilization and potential complications. Monitoring and managing these conditions are essential for quality measures in healthcare settings, as they reflect the standard of care provided to vulnerable populations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L89.101 lies in its role in identifying early-stage pressure ulcers, which can significantly impact patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, leading to increased healthcare utilization and potential complications. Monitoring and managing these conditions are essential for quality measures in healthcare settings, as they reflect the standard of care provided to vulnerable populations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for treatment is clearly documented, particularly for preventive measures and wound care management. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the medical necessity of the services provided. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of assessments, treatment plans, and patient progress to support claims and reduce audit risks.

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 L89.101?

L89.101 specifically covers stage 1 pressure ulcers, which are characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin. It does not cover ulcers that have progressed to stage 2 or higher, which involve partial or full-thickness skin loss.

When should L89.101 be used instead of related codes?

L89.101 should be used when documenting a stage 1 pressure ulcer specifically located on the back. If the ulcer is at a different stage or located on another part of the body, the appropriate code for that condition should be selected.

What documentation supports L89.101?

Documentation should include a detailed skin assessment noting the presence of non-blanchable erythema, the location of the ulcer, risk factors for pressure ulcer development, and any preventive measures taken. Regular monitoring and updates on the condition are also essential.