ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.301

L89.301

Billable

Pressure ulcer of unspecified buttock, stage 1

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.301 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of unspecified buttock, stage 1.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.301 refers to a pressure ulcer of the unspecified buttock, classified as stage 1. Clinically, stage 1 pressure ulcers are characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin, indicating localized redness that does not fade when pressure is relieved. The anatomy involved includes the skin and subcutaneous tissue overlying the buttock area, which is particularly susceptible to pressure due to prolonged immobility or friction. Disease progression can lead to more severe stages of pressure ulcers if not addressed promptly, potentially resulting in skin breakdown and deeper tissue damage. Diagnostic considerations for L89.301 include a thorough skin assessment, patient history regarding mobility, nutritional status, and any comorbid conditions that may contribute to skin integrity issues. Early identification and intervention are critical to prevent progression to more severe stages of pressure ulcers, which can complicate treatment and increase healthcare costs.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires clinical assessment and staging.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, involving preventive measures and potential referral to specialists.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed documentation of skin assessments and interventions.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to stage 1 pressure ulcers, but may require differentiation from other skin conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of ulcer stage or site.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete skin assessments or lack of preventive care documentation.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the diagnosis or if preventive measures are not recorded.

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

Pressure ulcers, including stage 1 ulcers, 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 and prevention of pressure ulcers can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and lower healthcare utilization. Quality measures often include monitoring the incidence of pressure ulcers in healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and early intervention.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Pressure ulcers, including stage 1 ulcers, 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 and prevention of pressure ulcers can improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and lower healthcare utilization. Quality measures often include monitoring the incidence of pressure ulcers in healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and early intervention.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for thorough documentation of the ulcer's characteristics and any preventive measures taken. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for treatment. Best practices include maintaining accurate records of assessments, interventions, and follow-up care 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 L89.301?

L89.301 specifically covers stage 1 pressure ulcers located on the buttock, characterized by non-blanchable erythema. It does not include ulcers that have progressed to deeper tissue damage or those located in other anatomical sites.

When should L89.301 be used instead of related codes?

L89.301 should be used when documenting a stage 1 pressure ulcer on the buttock. It is important to differentiate from other stages (e.g., L89.302 for stage 2) based on clinical assessment findings.

What documentation supports L89.301?

Documentation should include a detailed skin assessment noting the presence of non-blanchable erythema, patient mobility status, risk factors for pressure ulcer development, and any preventive measures taken.