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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.152

L89.152

Billable

Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 2

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.152 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 2.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.152 refers to a stage 2 pressure ulcer located in the sacral region, characterized by partial thickness loss of skin involving the epidermis and/or dermis. Clinically, this ulcer may present as a shallow open sore with a red or pink wound bed, without slough or necrosis. The sacral region, which includes the lower back just above the tailbone, is particularly susceptible to pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure, friction, or shear forces, especially in individuals with limited mobility or those who are bedridden. Disease progression can lead to deeper tissue damage if not properly managed, potentially advancing to stage 3 or 4 ulcers. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical assessment of the ulcer's characteristics, patient history, and risk factors such as immobility, malnutrition, and comorbid conditions. Accurate staging is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and monitoring of healing progress.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires careful assessment of ulcer stage and underlying conditions.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves multidisciplinary approaches including wound care, nutritional support, and possibly surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are necessary to justify the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding based on ulcer stage and location.

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of L89.152 lies in its association with patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers can lead to severe complications, including infections and increased length of hospital stays. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with limited mobility, is crucial for improving quality measures and healthcare utilization patterns. Effective management and prevention strategies can significantly reduce the incidence of these ulcers, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare expenditures.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L89.152 lies in its association with patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers can lead to severe complications, including infections and increased length of hospital stays. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with limited mobility, is crucial for improving quality measures and healthcare utilization patterns. Effective management and prevention strategies can significantly reduce the incidence of these ulcers, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare expenditures.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the ulcer is properly staged and that the treatment plan is well-documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for the services rendered. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of assessments, treatment interventions, and patient progress 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 L89.152?

L89.152 specifically covers stage 2 pressure ulcers in the sacral region, which are characterized by partial thickness skin loss. It does not cover ulcers that are deeper (stage 3 or 4) or those located in other anatomical regions.

When should L89.152 be used instead of related codes?

L89.152 should be used when documenting a stage 2 pressure ulcer specifically located in the sacral area. It is important to differentiate it from other codes that represent different stages or locations of pressure ulcers.

What documentation supports L89.152?

Documentation should include a detailed assessment of the ulcer's characteristics, staging, treatment plan, and any underlying risk factors. Photographic evidence and regular updates on healing progress can also support the use of this code.