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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.4

L89.4

Non-billable

Pressure ulcer of contiguous site of back, buttock and hip

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.4 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of contiguous site of back, buttock and hip.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.4 refers to pressure ulcers located on contiguous sites of the back, buttock, and hip. These ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers or bedsores, occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin, typically in patients with limited mobility. The anatomy involved includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue, where the pressure leads to ischemia and subsequent tissue necrosis. Clinically, these ulcers can present as localized areas of skin breakdown, which may progress through stages from non-blanchable erythema to full-thickness skin loss. The disease progression can be influenced by factors such as moisture, friction, and shear forces, along with the patient's overall health status, including comorbidities like diabetes or vascular disease. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of tissue damage. Proper identification and staging of pressure ulcers are crucial for effective management and treatment planning.

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

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

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

Pressure ulcers significantly impact patient quality of life and healthcare costs, contributing to increased morbidity and extended hospital stays. They are prevalent in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with limited mobility. Effective management of pressure ulcers is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization, making it a critical focus for quality measures in clinical practice.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Pressure ulcers significantly impact patient quality of life and healthcare costs, contributing to increased morbidity and extended hospital stays. They are prevalent in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with limited mobility. Effective management of pressure ulcers is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization, making it a critical focus for quality measures in clinical practice.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity and stage of the ulcer, as well as the treatment provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, ensuring accurate coding, and understanding payer-specific requirements for pressure ulcer management.

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 L89.4?

L89.4 covers pressure ulcers that occur specifically on the back, buttock, and hip areas. These ulcers are typically classified by their depth and severity, ranging from stage I (non-blanchable erythema) to stage IV (full-thickness tissue loss).

When should L89.4 be used instead of related codes?

L89.4 should be used when documenting pressure ulcers specifically located on contiguous sites of the back, buttock, and hip. It is important to differentiate from other codes that may refer to ulcers in different locations or of different etiologies.

What documentation supports L89.4?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the ulcer's location, stage, size, and any associated symptoms. Clinical assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes are essential to substantiate the diagnosis and support the use of L89.4.