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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.42

L89.42

Billable

Pressure ulcer of contiguous site of back, buttock and hip, stage 2

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.42 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of contiguous site of back, buttock and hip, stage 2.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.42 refers to a stage 2 pressure ulcer located on contiguous sites of the back, buttock, and hip. Clinically, a stage 2 pressure ulcer is characterized by partial-thickness loss of skin, which may present as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater. The ulcer may involve the epidermis and part of the dermis but does not extend through the full thickness of the skin. The anatomical areas involved—back, buttock, and hip—are common sites for pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure, particularly in individuals with limited mobility or those who are bedridden. Disease progression can lead to deeper tissue damage if not managed properly, potentially advancing to stage 3 or 4 ulcers, which involve full-thickness skin loss and may expose underlying muscle, bone, or tendons. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough assessment of the ulcer's characteristics, patient history, and risk factors such as immobility, nutritional status, and comorbid conditions. Proper identification and coding of pressure ulcers are crucial for effective treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical assessment and staging of the ulcer.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves multidisciplinary approaches including wound care, nutritional support, and possibly surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of ulcer characteristics and patient history is essential.
  • 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 site.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding ulcer assessment and treatment.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support the severity and treatment of the ulcer.

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of L89.42 lies in its association with patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers can lead to serious complications, including infections and prolonged hospital stays, impacting overall population health. Quality measures often include the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, making accurate coding essential for healthcare utilization patterns and epidemiological studies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L89.42 lies in its association with patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers can lead to serious complications, including infections and prolonged hospital stays, impacting overall population health. Quality measures often include the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, making accurate coding essential for healthcare utilization patterns and epidemiological studies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for detailed records of the ulcer's characteristics, treatment plans, and patient assessments. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for the treatment provided. Best practices include ensuring that all documentation is complete, accurate, and reflects the severity of the condition, as well as regular updates on the patient's progress and response to treatment.

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 L89.42?

L89.42 specifically covers stage 2 pressure ulcers located on contiguous sites of the back, buttock, and hip. This includes ulcers that present with partial-thickness skin loss, such as abrasions or blisters, in these anatomical areas.

When should L89.42 be used instead of related codes?

L89.42 should be used when documenting a stage 2 pressure ulcer specifically located on the back, buttock, and hip. It is important to differentiate from stage 1 (L89.41) and stage 3 (L89.43) ulcers based on the depth of tissue involvement.

What documentation supports L89.42?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the ulcer's characteristics, including size, depth, and appearance, as well as patient history, risk factors, and treatment plans. Regular assessments and updates on the ulcer's status are also necessary.