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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.154

L89.154

Billable

Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 4

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.154 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 4.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.154 refers to a stage 4 pressure ulcer located in the sacral region, characterized by full-thickness tissue loss, which may involve muscle, bone, or supporting structures such as fascia and tendons. Clinically, these ulcers present as deep wounds with necrotic tissue, often accompanied by significant pain and potential for infection. The sacral region, being a common site for pressure ulcers, is anatomically significant due to its proximity to bony prominences and the weight-bearing nature of the area. Disease progression typically occurs due to prolonged pressure, often in patients with limited mobility, leading to ischemia and subsequent tissue breakdown. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical assessment, staging of the ulcer, and evaluation of the patient's overall health status, including comorbidities that may affect healing. Proper identification and coding of this condition are crucial for appropriate management and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires accurate staging and assessment of tissue involvement.
  • 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 to reflect the stage and location of the ulcer.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ulcer stage or location.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding ulcer assessment and treatment history.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient evidence of medical necessity or lack of detailed documentation.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Stage 4 pressure ulcers have significant clinical implications, often leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. They are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. Addressing these ulcers is crucial for improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare utilization, and enhancing quality measures related to wound care management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Stage 4 pressure ulcers have significant clinical implications, often leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. They are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. Addressing these ulcers is crucial for improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare utilization, and enhancing quality measures related to wound care management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and reduce the risk of denials. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the ulcer's characteristics or lack of evidence for the medical necessity of treatments provided. Best practices include maintaining clear and thorough records of assessments, treatment plans, and patient responses to care.

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 L89.154?

L89.154 specifically covers stage 4 pressure ulcers in the sacral region, which are defined by full-thickness tissue loss and may involve deeper structures. It is crucial to differentiate this from other stages of pressure ulcers, which have different clinical presentations and implications for treatment.

When should L89.154 be used instead of related codes?

L89.154 should be used when there is clear documentation of a stage 4 pressure ulcer in the sacral region. It is important to use this code when the ulcer has progressed to full-thickness loss, as opposed to lower-stage codes that do not reflect the severity of the condition.

What documentation supports L89.154?

Documentation must include a detailed assessment of the ulcer's size, depth, and characteristics, as well as the patient's overall health status and any comorbidities. Regular updates on the treatment plan and healing progress are also essential to support the use of this code.