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 CodesL89.602

L89.602

Billable

Pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 2

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

Code Description

ICD-10 L89.602 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 2.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, are localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure, often over bony prominences. The heel is a common site for these ulcers due to its anatomical structure and the pressure exerted when a patient is immobile. Stage 2 pressure ulcers are characterized by partial thickness loss of skin, presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed, without slough. Clinically, these ulcers may exhibit blistering or a shiny appearance, indicating damage to the epidermis and possibly the dermis. Disease progression can lead to deeper tissue damage if not managed properly, potentially advancing to stage 3 or 4 ulcers. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough assessment of the ulcer's characteristics, patient history, and risk factors such as immobility, malnutrition, and comorbid conditions. Regular monitoring and documentation of the ulcer's status are crucial for effective treatment planning and to prevent complications.

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

Wound care specialists

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

Nursing

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 significantly impact patient quality of life and healthcare costs. They are associated with increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stays, leading to higher healthcare utilization. The prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients highlights the need for effective prevention and management strategies. Quality measures often include monitoring the incidence of pressure ulcers as a key performance indicator in healthcare settings, reflecting the quality of care provided.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Pressure ulcers significantly impact patient quality of life and healthcare costs. They are associated with increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stays, leading to higher healthcare utilization. The prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients highlights the need for effective prevention and management strategies. Quality measures often include monitoring the incidence of pressure ulcers as a key performance indicator in healthcare settings, reflecting the quality of care provided.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for detailed records of the ulcer's assessment, treatment plan, and progress notes. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for treatment. Best practices include regular updates to the patient's chart and clear communication of the ulcer's status during follow-up visits to ensure compliance with payer requirements.

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 L89.602?

L89.602 specifically covers stage 2 pressure ulcers located on the heel. It includes ulcers that show partial thickness skin loss and may present as a blister or shallow open sore. It does not cover ulcers at other anatomical sites or those that are deeper than stage 2.

When should L89.602 be used instead of related codes?

L89.602 should be used when documenting a stage 2 pressure ulcer specifically located on the heel. If the ulcer is on a different body part or is of a different stage, the appropriate code should be selected based on the specific characteristics and location of the ulcer.

What documentation supports L89.602?

Documentation must include a detailed description of the ulcer's characteristics, including its stage, location, size, and any associated symptoms. Additionally, the patient's risk factors and treatment plan should be documented to support the diagnosis.