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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.151

L89.151

Billable

Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 1

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.151 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 1.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.151 refers to a stage 1 pressure ulcer located in the sacral region. Clinically, a stage 1 pressure ulcer is characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin. This indicates that the skin is still intact but shows signs of pressure damage, typically over bony prominences such as the sacrum. The sacral region is anatomically significant as it is a common site for pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure, especially in individuals with limited mobility or those who are bedridden. Disease progression can lead to more severe stages of pressure ulcers if not properly managed, potentially resulting in deeper tissue damage and complications such as infections. Diagnostic considerations for L89.151 include a thorough skin assessment, patient history, and risk factor evaluation, including mobility status and nutritional assessment. Proper identification and coding of stage 1 pressure ulcers are crucial for appropriate treatment planning and resource allocation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires careful assessment of skin integrity and risk factors.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves preventive measures and potential referral to wound care specialists.
  • Documentation requirements: Needs clear documentation of skin assessment and staging.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the ulcer stage and location.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ulcer stage or location.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete skin assessments or lack of follow-up documentation.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient evidence of staging or treatment plans.

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: Nursing, 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 accurately coding L89.151 lies in its role in preventing the progression of pressure ulcers, which can lead to severe complications and increased healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers are prevalent in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with limited mobility, impacting overall population health. Quality measures related to pressure ulcer prevention are critical in healthcare settings, influencing care protocols and resource allocation. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers can help healthcare providers implement effective prevention strategies and improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of accurately coding L89.151 lies in its role in preventing the progression of pressure ulcers, which can lead to severe complications and increased healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers are prevalent in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with limited mobility, impacting overall population health. Quality measures related to pressure ulcer prevention are critical in healthcare settings, influencing care protocols and resource allocation. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers can help healthcare providers implement effective prevention strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement. Documentation must clearly support the diagnosis, including detailed skin assessments and treatment plans. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or misclassification of ulcer stages. It is essential to follow payer-specific guidelines and ensure that all relevant information is included in the medical record to support the claim. Best practices include regular training on coding updates and maintaining clear communication with the billing department.

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 L89.151?

L89.151 specifically covers stage 1 pressure ulcers located in the sacral region, characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin. It does not include ulcers that have progressed to stage 2 or higher.

When should L89.151 be used instead of related codes?

L89.151 should be used when documenting a stage 1 pressure ulcer in the sacral region. It is important to differentiate it from other codes that represent more advanced stages of pressure ulcers or ulcers located in different anatomical sites.

What documentation supports L89.151?

Documentation should include a detailed skin assessment noting the presence of non-blanchable erythema, the location of the ulcer, patient mobility status, and any risk factors contributing to the development of the ulcer.