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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.32

L89.32

Non-billable

Pressure ulcer of left buttock

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.32 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of left buttock.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.32 refers to a pressure ulcer located on the left buttock, which is a localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure, often in conjunction with shear and friction. Clinically, these ulcers can present as intact skin with localized areas of persistent redness or as open wounds that may extend through the dermis and into deeper tissues. The anatomy involved includes the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and potentially muscle and bone, depending on the ulcer's stage. Disease progression can vary; if not managed properly, pressure ulcers can worsen, leading to complications such as infections, cellulitis, or osteomyelitis. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, assessment of risk factors (such as immobility, malnutrition, and moisture), and a physical examination to determine the ulcer's stage according to established guidelines. Accurate staging is crucial for appropriate management and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Wound care

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Pressure ulcers, including those classified under L89.32, significantly impact patient quality of life 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 reduce hospital stays and improve overall patient outcomes. Monitoring and addressing these conditions are critical for quality measures in healthcare settings, influencing both clinical practices and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Pressure ulcers, including those classified under L89.32, significantly impact patient quality of life 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 reduce hospital stays and improve overall patient outcomes. Monitoring and addressing these conditions are critical for quality measures in healthcare settings, influencing both clinical practices and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the patient's insurance provider and the severity of the ulcer. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or lack of medical necessity for the procedures performed. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of assessments, treatment plans, and patient progress to support claims and reduce the risk of audits.

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 L89.32?

L89.32 specifically covers pressure ulcers that occur on the left buttock. This includes various stages of ulcers, from stage I (non-blanchable erythema) to stage IV (full-thickness tissue loss), as well as unstageable ulcers due to slough or eschar.

When should L89.32 be used instead of related codes?

L89.32 should be used when the pressure ulcer is specifically located on the left buttock. It is important to differentiate it from L89.31 (right buttock) and L89.33 (unspecified buttock) based on the precise location of the ulcer.

What documentation supports L89.32?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the ulcer's location, stage, size, and any associated symptoms. Additionally, the patient's risk factors, treatment plan, and response to treatment should be clearly documented to support the use of this code.