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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesL89.52

L89.52

Non-billable

Pressure ulcer of left ankle

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.52 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of left ankle.

Key Diagnostic Point:

L89.52 refers to a pressure ulcer located specifically at the left ankle. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, occur when sustained pressure on the skin restricts blood flow to the area, leading to tissue damage. The left ankle, being a bony prominence, is particularly susceptible to these ulcers, especially in individuals with limited mobility or those who are bedridden. Clinically, these ulcers can present as localized areas of skin breakdown, which may progress through stages from non-blanchable erythema to full-thickness skin loss involving underlying tissues. The disease progression can be influenced by factors such as moisture, friction, and nutritional status. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough assessment of the ulcer's stage, size, and any signs of infection. Healthcare providers must also evaluate the patient's overall health status, mobility, and any comorbid conditions that may affect healing, such as diabetes or vascular disease.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires assessment of ulcer stage and underlying health conditions.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves multidisciplinary approaches including wound care, nutrition, and possibly surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed documentation of ulcer characteristics and treatment plans is essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding based on the location and stage of the ulcer.

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

Wound Care Specialist

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

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

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 those coded as L89.52, have significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and healthcare costs. They are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The management of pressure ulcers is a critical quality measure in healthcare, impacting hospital readmission rates and overall patient outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers can help healthcare providers implement preventive strategies and improve care delivery.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Pressure ulcers, including those coded as L89.52, have significant clinical implications, affecting patient quality of life and healthcare costs. They are prevalent in populations with limited mobility, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The management of pressure ulcers is a critical quality measure in healthcare, impacting hospital readmission rates and overall patient outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of pressure ulcers can help healthcare providers implement preventive strategies and improve care delivery.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for detailed records of the ulcer's assessment, treatment plans, and any associated comorbidities. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for the treatment provided. Best practices include maintaining thorough records of wound care, patient progress, and any interventions performed to support the billing process.

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 L89.52?

L89.52 specifically covers pressure ulcers located at the left ankle. It includes various stages of ulceration, from stage I (non-blanchable erythema) to stage IV (full-thickness tissue loss).

When should L89.52 be used instead of related codes?

L89.52 should be used when documenting a pressure ulcer specifically at the left ankle. It is important to differentiate it from other locations, such as the right ankle (L89.51) or other body parts, to ensure accurate treatment and billing.

What documentation supports L89.52?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the ulcer's characteristics, including size, stage, and any signs of infection. Additionally, records of the patient's mobility status, comorbidities, and treatment plans are essential for supporting the use of this code.