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 CodesL89.41

L89.41

Billable

Pressure ulcer of contiguous site of back, buttock and hip, stage 1

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.41 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of contiguous site of back, buttock and hip, stage 1.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.41 refers to a stage 1 pressure ulcer located on contiguous sites of the back, buttock, and hip. Clinically, a stage 1 pressure ulcer is characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin, indicating localized redness that does not fade when pressure is applied. The affected area may feel warmer or cooler compared to surrounding tissue and may present with a change in texture. The anatomy involved includes the epidermis and dermis, where the pressure ulcer develops due to prolonged pressure, often exacerbated by shear and friction forces. Disease progression can lead to more severe stages of pressure ulcers if not addressed promptly, potentially resulting in deeper tissue damage. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough skin assessment, patient history, and risk factor evaluation, such as immobility, nutritional status, and comorbid conditions. Early identification and intervention are crucial to prevent progression to higher stages of pressure ulcers, which can complicate treatment and increase healthcare costs.

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of accurately coding L89.41 lies in its role in preventing the progression of pressure ulcers, which can lead to severe complications and increased healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers highlights their prevalence in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with limited mobility. Quality measures related to pressure ulcer management can improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates, ultimately impacting population health positively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of accurately coding L89.41 lies in its role in preventing the progression of pressure ulcers, which can lead to severe complications and increased healthcare costs. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers highlights their prevalence in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with limited mobility. Quality measures related to pressure ulcer management can improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates, ultimately impacting population health positively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for thorough documentation of the ulcer's characteristics and the patient's risk factors. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for treatment. Coding best practices include using the most specific code available and ensuring that all relevant clinical information is included in the patient's medical record to support the claim.

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 L89.41?

L89.41 specifically covers stage 1 pressure ulcers located on the back, buttock, and hip. It is characterized by intact skin with non-blanchable erythema. Conditions such as immobility, malnutrition, and chronic illness can contribute to the development of these ulcers.

When should L89.41 be used instead of related codes?

L89.41 should be used when documenting a stage 1 pressure ulcer on the specified sites. It is important to differentiate it from other stages (L89.42 for stage 2, L89.43 for stage 3, etc.) based on the clinical presentation and depth of tissue damage.

What documentation supports L89.41?

Documentation for L89.41 should include a detailed skin assessment, noting the location, size, and characteristics of the ulcer. Additionally, the patient's risk factors, such as mobility status and nutritional assessment, should be documented to support the diagnosis.