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L89.159
ICD-10-CM
Sacral Pressure Ulcer

Find information on sacral pressure ulcer diagnosis, including staging, assessment, treatment, and prevention. Learn about clinical documentation requirements for sacral pressure ulcers, ICD-10 codes, and pressure ulcer staging systems. This resource provides guidance for healthcare professionals on accurate coding and documentation of sacral pressure injuries for optimal reimbursement and patient care. Explore resources related to pressure ulcer prevention protocols, wound care, and support surface selection for sacral pressure ulcer management.

Also known as

Sacral Decubitus Ulcer
Sacral Bed Sore

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Skin breakdown over the sacrum due to prolonged pressure.
  • Clinical Signs : Redness, blisters, open sore, or deep crater over the sacrum. May have drainage or odor.
  • Common Settings : Nursing homes, hospitals, prolonged bed rest or immobility.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L89.159 Coding
L89

Pressure ulcer

Decubitus ulcers, pressure sores, including sacral

L89.1

Pressure ulcer of sacrum

Specifically designates pressure ulcers located on the sacrum

Z74.0

Contact with and suspected exposure to...

May be used if sacral ulcer is due to external pressure

I95.2

Hypotension

Contributes to pressure ulcer development if blood flow is compromised

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the sacral pressure ulcer present?

  • Yes

    What stage is the ulcer?

  • No

    Do not code for a pressure ulcer.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Sacral Pressure Ulcer
Trochanteric Pressure Ulcer
Ischial Pressure Ulcer

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Sacral pressure ulcer stage (I-IV)
  • Ulcer size (length x width x depth)
  • Wound bed description (tissue type)
  • Surrounding skin condition (color, texture)
  • Presence of exudate, odor, or infection

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Specificity Lacking

    Coding sacral ulcers requires specific documentation of stage, size, and any tunneling/undermining for accurate code assignment and reimbursement.

  • Documentation Gaps

    Missing or incomplete documentation of wound assessment, debridement, or other treatments can lead to coding errors and compliance issues.

  • POAH/NOS Confusion

    Confusing present on admission (POA) indicators with not otherwise specified (NOS) codes can impact quality reporting and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Reposition q2h, offload sacrum.
  • Assess skin daily, document thoroughly.
  • Use pressure-relieving surfaces (ICD-10: L89).
  • Optimize nutrition, hydration (SNOMED CT: 704346007).
  • Educate caregivers on proper turning techniques.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm location: sacral area
  • Assess wound: depth, tissue type
  • Document: size, exudate, periwound
  • Check Braden Scale risk assessment
  • Code: ICD-10-CM L89 pressure ulcer

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Sacral Pressure Ulcer Reimbursement: Impacts coding accuracy for ICD-10 L89 and HCPCS A6250, affecting hospital revenue cycle.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Negatively affects hospital-acquired pressure injury reporting, impacting CMS value-based purchasing.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correct stage and documentation crucial for appropriate reimbursement and avoiding claim denials.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate pressure ulcer staging impacts quality scores and public reporting data transparency.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code stage, location, laterality
  • Document ulcer size, depth
  • Check 707.0x for sacral
  • Link to contributing factors
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Sacral pressure ulcer documented.  Patient presents with a stage [Roman numeral stage I-IV] pressure injury located on the sacrum.  The wound bed is [describe appearance, e.g., erythematous, non-blanchable, with eschar, slough, granulation tissue] and measures [length] x [width] x [depth] cm.  Surrounding skin is [describe periwound skin, e.g., intact, macerated, indurated, with erythema].  Patient reports [patient's subjective complaint, e.g., pain, itching, burning, no discomfort].  Pain assessed using the [pain scale used] scale and rated as [pain score].  Wound edges are [describe edges, e.g., defined, undefined, rolled, attached].  Drainage is [describe drainage, e.g., absent, serous, serosanguineous, purulent, amount].  Odor is [describe odor, e.g., absent, present, foul].  Assessment suggests this pressure injury is related to [etiological factors, e.g., immobility, moisture, shear, friction].  Diagnosis: Pressure ulcer, sacral, stage [Roman numeral stage I-IV].  Plan:  Wound care initiated with [describe wound care, e.g., debridement, dressing type, frequency of dressing changes].  Pressure redistribution measures implemented including [describe measures, e.g., specialized mattress, turning schedule].  Nutritional assessment recommended.  Patient education provided regarding pressure ulcer prevention, wound care, and importance of repositioning.  Follow-up scheduled in [duration] for wound reassessment and ongoing care.  ICD-10 code: L89.152.