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ICD-10 Coding for Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer(L89.624)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Decubitus Ulcer Stage 4Bed Sore Stage 4

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer

L89.00-L89.94Primary Range

Pressure ulcer codes by site and stage

This range includes all pressure ulcer codes, with specific codes for each stage and anatomical site.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for stage 4 pressure ulcer

Essential facts and insights about Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer

The ICD-10 code for a stage 4 pressure ulcer on the left heel is L89.624.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for stage 4 pressure ulcer

Pressure ulcer of left heel, stage 4
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of exposed bone, tendon, or muscle

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed wound assessment including size and depth

Applicable To

  • Full thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of exposed bone, tendon, or muscle
  • Wound measurements and description of necrotic tissue

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as unstageable if eschar is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the stage and anatomical site clearly.

Ancillary Codes

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

Osteomyelitis of sacrum

M86.672
Use when osteomyelitis is present in conjunction with a stage 4 ulcer.

Differential Codes

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

Unstageable pressure ulcer

L89.604
Use L89.604 when the ulcer is covered by eschar and cannot be staged without debridement.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code L89.624.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Use stage 4 code after debridement reveals bone.

Impact

Incorrect staging can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and staff training.

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 Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Consult for Stage 4 Ulcer

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Wound location and dimensions
  • Tissue exposure details
  • Presence of necrotic tissue
  • Undermining measurements

Example Documentation

Stage 4 ulcer on left heel, 5x3x2 cm, exposed calcaneus, 50% eschar.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Heel ulcer worsening.
Good Documentation Example
Stage 4 heel ulcer, 5x3x2 cm, exposed calcaneus, 50% eschar.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and tissue involvement.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer? Ask your questions below.

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