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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.512

L89.512

Billable

Pressure ulcer of right ankle, stage 2

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.512 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of right ankle, stage 2.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.512 refers to a stage 2 pressure ulcer located on the right ankle. Clinically, a stage 2 pressure ulcer is characterized by partial-thickness loss of skin, which may present as a shallow open ulcer with a red or pink wound bed, without slough. The ulcer may also present as an intact or ruptured serum-filled blister. The anatomical area involved, the right ankle, is particularly susceptible due to its bony prominence and limited soft tissue coverage, making it prone to pressure-related injuries. Disease progression can occur if the ulcer is not properly managed, potentially advancing to stage 3 or 4 ulcers, which involve deeper tissue damage. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough assessment of the ulcer's characteristics, patient history, and risk factors such as immobility, malnutrition, and comorbid conditions. Proper staging is crucial for treatment planning and monitoring healing progress.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires accurate staging and assessment of ulcer characteristics.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves multidisciplinary approaches including wound care, nutritional support, and possibly surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are necessary to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate between stages and locations of pressure ulcers.

Audit Risk Factors

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

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

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CPT Code

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CPT Code

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Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of L89.512 lies in its association with patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers can lead to serious complications, including infections and prolonged hospital stays, impacting population health. Quality measures often include the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, making accurate coding essential for healthcare utilization patterns and epidemiological tracking of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of L89.512 lies in its association with patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Pressure ulcers can lead to serious complications, including infections and prolonged hospital stays, impacting population health. Quality measures often include the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, making accurate coding essential for healthcare utilization patterns and epidemiological tracking of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for thorough clinical notes that justify the diagnosis and any procedures performed. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding, particularly if the ulcer's stage is not clearly defined. Best practices include regular updates to the patient's condition and treatment response, ensuring that all relevant information is included in the medical record to support claims.

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 L89.512?

L89.512 specifically covers stage 2 pressure ulcers located on the right ankle. This includes ulcers that exhibit partial-thickness skin loss, such as shallow open wounds or blisters, and does not cover deeper tissue injuries or ulcers at other anatomical sites.

When should L89.512 be used instead of related codes?

L89.512 should be used when documenting a stage 2 pressure ulcer specifically on the right ankle. It is important to differentiate it from other stages (stage 1, 3, or 4) and other locations (e.g., left ankle or sacral area) to ensure accurate coding and appropriate treatment.

What documentation supports L89.512?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the ulcer's characteristics, including size, depth, and any exudate. Additionally, the patient's risk factors, treatment plan, and progress notes should be documented to support the diagnosis and ensure compliance with coding guidelines.