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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.142

L89.142

Billable

Pressure ulcer of left lower back, stage 2

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.142 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of left lower back, stage 2.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.142 refers to a stage 2 pressure ulcer located on the left lower back. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, occur when sustained pressure on the skin impairs blood flow, leading to tissue damage. Stage 2 pressure ulcers are characterized by partial-thickness loss of skin, presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed, without slough. The left lower back is a common site for pressure ulcers, particularly in patients with limited mobility or those who are bedridden. The anatomy involved includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue, where the ulcer can penetrate through the epidermis and dermis but does not extend into deeper tissues. Disease progression can lead to more severe stages if not properly managed, potentially resulting in infections or complications. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough assessment of the ulcer's characteristics, patient history, and risk factors such as immobility, nutritional status, and comorbid conditions. Regular monitoring and appropriate interventions are crucial to prevent deterioration.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical assessment and staging of the ulcer.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves wound care management and potential surgical interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of ulcer characteristics and treatment plans is necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate coding to reflect the stage and location of the ulcer.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ulcer stage or location.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding ulcer assessment and treatment.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or incorrect coding.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of L89.142 lies in its association with patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers can lead to serious complications, including infections and prolonged hospital stays. They are a significant concern in population health, particularly among elderly and immobile patients. Quality measures often focus on the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, impacting healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation in clinical settings.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L89.142 lies in its association with patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers can lead to serious complications, including infections and prolonged hospital stays. They are a significant concern in population health, particularly among elderly and immobile patients. Quality measures often focus on the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, impacting healthcare utilization patterns and resource allocation in clinical settings.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the ulcer is properly staged and that treatment plans are documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for the services provided. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of assessments, treatment progress, and patient education to support claims.

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 L89.142?

L89.142 specifically covers stage 2 pressure ulcers located on the left lower back. It is important to differentiate this from other stages of pressure ulcers and other skin conditions that may present similarly.

When should L89.142 be used instead of related codes?

L89.142 should be used when documenting a stage 2 pressure ulcer on the left lower back. It is crucial to use this code when the ulcer is confirmed to be at this stage and location, as other codes may pertain to different stages or sites.

What documentation supports L89.142?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the ulcer's characteristics, staging, treatment plans, and any relevant patient history that supports the diagnosis of a stage 2 pressure ulcer.