Pressure ulcer of right lower back, unspecified stage
ICD-10 L89.139 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of right lower back, unspecified stage.
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, are localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. The right lower back is a common site for these ulcers due to its anatomical position and the pressure exerted when a patient is in a supine position. Clinically, pressure ulcers can present as intact skin with non-blanchable redness or as open wounds with varying degrees of tissue loss. The disease progression can lead to serious complications, including infections, which may necessitate surgical intervention. Diagnostic considerations for L89.139 include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and assessment of risk factors such as immobility, malnutrition, and moisture. It is essential to evaluate the ulcer's stage, although this code specifies 'unspecified stage,' indicating that the exact stage of the ulcer is not documented or cannot be determined at the time of coding.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
L89.139 covers pressure ulcers located on the right lower back, which may include various stages of ulceration, although the specific stage is not documented. It is important to note that this code does not cover ulcers from other causes, such as venous stasis or diabetic ulcers.
L89.139 should be used when documenting a pressure ulcer specifically located on the right lower back without a specified stage. If the stage is known, a more specific code should be selected from the L89 series that corresponds to the stage of the ulcer.
Documentation should include a detailed description of the ulcer's characteristics, including size, depth, and any signs of infection. Additionally, the patient's risk factors, treatment plan, and response to treatment should be clearly documented to support the use of this code.
