Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Pressure Ulcer on Coccyx(L89.150, L89.151)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Pressure Ulcer on Coccyx. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Coccygeal Pressure UlcerTailbone Bed Sore

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pressure Ulcer on Coccyx

L89.15-Primary Range

Pressure ulcer of sacral region

Coccygeal pressure ulcers are classified under the sacral region codes as the coccyx is anatomically part of this area.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
L89.150Unstageable pressure ulcer of sacral regionUse when the ulcer on the coccyx is covered by eschar or slough, making it unstageable.
  • Documentation of eschar or slough obscuring the depth of the ulcer
L89.151Stage 1 pressure ulcer of sacral regionUse for non-blanchable redness on the coccyx.
  • Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for coccygeal pressure ulcer

Essential facts and insights about Pressure Ulcer on Coccyx

The ICD-10 code for a coccygeal pressure ulcer falls under the sacral region codes, specifically L89.15- series.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pressure ulcer coccyx

Unstageable pressure ulcer of sacral region
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of eschar or slough covering the ulcer

Applicable To

  • Coccygeal pressure ulcer covered by eschar

Excludes

  • Pressure ulcer of unspecified site

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of eschar or slough obscuring the depth of the ulcer

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing unstageable with unspecified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'coccyx' as the site.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.6
Use when a bacterial infection is present in the ulcer.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Pressure ulcer of unspecified buttock

L89.309
Use for ulcers on the buttock when the specific site is not documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pressure Ulcer on Coccyx to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L89.150.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for wound assessments, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Clarify with the provider if the ulcer is unstageable due to eschar or if the stage is simply not documented.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of ulcer stage can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all wound assessments include stage documentation.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Pressure Ulcer on Coccyx, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Pressure Ulcer on Coccyx

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Pressure Ulcer on Coccyx. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Coccygeal Pressure Ulcer Assessment

Specialty: Wound Care

Required Elements

  • Location: Coccyx
  • Stage: NPUAP criteria
  • Measurements: Length x Width x Depth
  • Tissue Characteristics: Granulation, eschar, slough
  • Signs of Infection: Erythema, warmth

Example Documentation

4 cm x 3 cm Stage 4 coccygeal pressure ulcer with necrotic bone exposure. Wound bed: 30% granulation, 70% eschar. Periwound erythema + warmth.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Coccyx ulcer
Good Documentation Example
Stage 4 coccygeal pressure ulcer, 4 cm x 3 cm x 2 cm, necrotic bone exposed, +E. coli on culture
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the ulcer's stage, size, and infection status, which are necessary for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Pressure Ulcer on Coccyx? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more