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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.14

L89.14

Non-billable

Pressure ulcer of left lower back

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.14 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of left lower back.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.14 refers to a pressure ulcer located on the left lower back, a common site for pressure injuries due to prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues. Clinically, these ulcers can present as localized areas of skin breakdown, which may range from non-blanchable erythema to full-thickness tissue loss. The anatomy involved includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue, particularly over bony prominences such as the sacrum and lumbar spine. Disease progression typically follows a staged approach, with Stage I being superficial redness and Stage IV indicating extensive tissue loss. Diagnostic considerations include assessing the ulcer's depth, size, and any signs of infection, which are crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Regular assessment and documentation of the ulcer's characteristics are essential for effective management and coding accuracy.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misidentifying the stage of the ulcer.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the ulcer's characteristics are not thoroughly recorded.
  • Billing challenges can occur if the treatment plan is not aligned with the documented severity of the ulcer.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

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

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Pressure ulcers, including those coded as L89.14, have significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. They are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. Effective management of pressure ulcers is crucial for reducing hospital readmissions and improving overall patient outcomes, making it a key focus in quality measures and population health initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Pressure ulcers, including those coded as L89.14, have significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. They are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. Effective management of pressure ulcers is crucial for reducing hospital readmissions and improving overall patient outcomes, making it a key focus in quality measures and population health initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may be affected by the stage of the ulcer and the complexity of care required. Common denials can occur if the documentation does not clearly support the severity of the ulcer or if the treatment plan is not adequately detailed. Best practices include ensuring that all assessments and interventions are documented in the patient's medical record to support the coding and billing process.

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 L89.14?

L89.14 specifically covers pressure ulcers located on the left lower back. It is important to differentiate this from other types of ulcers or skin conditions that may present similarly, such as venous ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers.

When should L89.14 be used instead of related codes?

L89.14 should be used when documenting a pressure ulcer specifically located on the left lower back. It is crucial to use this code when the ulcer's location is confirmed, as using a more general code may lead to inaccuracies in treatment and reimbursement.

What documentation supports L89.14?

Documentation for L89.14 should include a detailed description of the ulcer's location, stage, size, and any associated symptoms such as drainage or infection. Regular assessments and treatment plans should also be documented to support the coding.