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L89.159
ICD-10-CM
Sacral Ulcer

Find comprehensive information on sacral ulcer diagnosis, including clinical documentation, healthcare guidelines, and medical coding. Learn about pressure ulcer staging, wound care, ICD-10 codes for sacral pressure ulcers, and treatment options. This resource offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders seeking accurate and up-to-date information on sacral ulcers.

Also known as

Sacral Pressure Ulcer
Decubitus Ulcer of Sacrum

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Skin breakdown over the sacrum (tailbone) due to prolonged pressure.
  • Clinical Signs : Reddened, blistered, or open sore on the sacrum. May be painful.
  • 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 ulcer stages I-IV, unspecified stage

L89.1

Sacral pressure ulcer

Pressure ulcer specifically located on the sacrum

Z74.0

Contact with and suspected exposure to...

May be used if ulcer is due to external pressure like bed

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the sacral ulcer a pressure ulcer?

  • Yes

    Stage of pressure ulcer?

  • No

    Is it due to arterial insufficiency?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Sacral Pressure Ulcer
Coccygeal Pressure Ulcer
Buttock Pressure Ulcer

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Sacral ulcer staging (stage I-IV)
  • Ulcer size (length x width x depth)
  • Wound bed description (e.g., granulation, necrotic)
  • Surrounding skin condition (e.g., erythema, maceration)
  • Signs of infection (e.g., purulence, odor)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Stage

    Coding sacral ulcers without specifying the stage (I-IV, unstageable, deep tissue injury) leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Pressure Ulcer vs. Other

    Misclassifying other etiologies (e.g., arterial, venous, neuropathic) as pressure ulcers impacts quality metrics and reimbursement.

  • Documentation Gaps

    Insufficient documentation of size, depth, location, and characteristics hinders accurate coding and may trigger audits.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate staging via thorough assessment (ICD-10-CM L89)
  • Detailed documentation of wound characteristics for CDI
  • Regular pressure relief and repositioning (SNOMED CT 70819007)
  • Optimize nutrition & hydration for wound healing (HCPCS G0280)
  • Consistent wound care per established guidelines ensures compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm location: sacral area only
  • Assess wound: size, depth, tissue type
  • Evaluate for infection: signs/symptoms
  • Document etiology: pressure, friction, shear
  • Review risk factors: Braden Scale score

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Sacral Ulcer Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts MS-DRG assignment and payment. Proper documentation of stage, size, and etiology is crucial.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Sacral ulcer incidence reflects on hospitalacquired pressure injury rates, impacting quality reporting and valuebased purchasing.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correctly coding with ICD-10-CM codes (L89) and procedure codes for debridement or other treatments maximizes reimbursement.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate sacral ulcer documentation supports publicly reported quality data and helps identify areas for improvement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code stage, location, size
  • Document etiology: pressure, friction
  • 707.0 + stage, if documented
  • L89.1 series for pressure ulcer coding
  • Add laterality: right, left, bilateral

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a sacral ulcer, also documented as a pressure ulcer, pressure sore, decubitus ulcer, or bedsore, located on the sacrum.  Assessment reveals a stage [Insert Stage I-IV, unstageable, or deep tissue pressure injury] wound characterized by [Describe wound characteristics: size in centimeters length x width x depth, tissue type present e.g., granulation, slough, eschar, necrotic tissue, bone involvement, undermining, tunneling, exudate type and amount, surrounding skin condition e.g., erythema, induration, maceration, warmth].  The patient reports [Document patient's subjective complaints related to the ulcer: pain level and quality, itching, burning, odor].  Pain is managed with [Document pain management plan, including medications, dressings, and non-pharmacological interventions].  Surrounding skin is intact except as noted.  The etiology is suspected to be related to [Document contributing factors, e.g., immobility, pressure, shear, friction, moisture, malnutrition, impaired circulation, medical comorbidities such as diabetes, spinal cord injury, peripheral vascular disease].  The patient's current Braden Scale score is [Insert score] indicating a [Insert risk level: low, moderate, high] risk for pressure injury development.  Treatment plan includes [Document treatment plan: wound care regimen with specific dressing type and frequency, pressure redistribution measures e.g., specialized mattress, cushions, turning schedule, nutritional support, debridement if necessary, offloading techniques, consultation with wound care specialist, other relevant interventions].  Patient education provided on pressure ulcer prevention strategies including proper skin hygiene, regular repositioning, and importance of nutrition.  Follow-up scheduled for [Date/time] to reassess wound healing progress and adjust treatment plan as needed.  ICD-10 code L89.  CPT codes for wound care procedures will be documented separately based on services rendered.