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L89.154
ICD-10-CM
Stage 4 Sacral Ulcer

Find comprehensive information on Stage 4 Sacral Ulcer diagnosis, including clinical documentation, pressure injury staging, wound care coding, and treatment guidelines. Learn about ICD-10 codes for pressure ulcers, sacral pressure ulcer treatment, and preventative measures for pressure injuries. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on accurate medical coding and effective clinical documentation for Stage 4 Sacral Ulcers. Explore resources for wound assessment, pressure ulcer management, and optimizing patient care.

Also known as

Stage IV Sacral Pressure Ulcer
Full-thickness Sacral Ulcer

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Full-thickness skin loss exposing muscle, bone, or tendons in the sacral area.
  • Clinical Signs : Visible deep crater, possible necrosis, drainage, infection, pain, exposed bone.
  • Common Settings : Nursing homes, hospitals, home healthcare (requiring frequent dressing changes).

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC L89.154 Coding
L89

Pressure ulcer of other sites

Includes pressure ulcers of the sacrum, not elsewhere classified.

Z48

Encounter for fitting and adjustment of other devices

May be used for encounters related to pressure-relieving devices for stage 4 ulcers.

I95

Other and unspecified peripheral circulatory disorders

Relevant if circulatory complications contribute to the stage 4 sacral ulcer.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the stage 4 sacral ulcer documented?

  • Yes

    Is there necrosis present?

  • No

    Insufficient documentation to code a stage 4 sacral ulcer. Query physician.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Stage 4 Sacral Ulcer
Stage 3 Sacral Ulcer
Unstageable Sacral Ulcer

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer: Document full-thickness tissue loss
  • Sacral ulcer staging: Describe exposed bone, tendon, or muscle
  • Ulcer size: Measure length, width, and depth in centimeters
  • Wound bed: Document necrosis, slough, granulation, exudate
  • Surrounding skin: Describe erythema, edema, induration, warmth

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Stage 4

    Coding Stage 4 without specifying if its pressure, stasis, or neuropathic ulcer leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Missing Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of ulcer characteristics (size, depth, location) can cause coding errors and compliance issues.

  • Comorbidity Coding

    Failing to code coexisting conditions like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease impacts risk adjustment and quality reporting.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Debride necrotic tissue, document wound dimensions (ICD-10-CM L89.154, SNOMED CT 707230006).
  • Relieve pressure: optimize support surfaces, repositioning schedule (E0291, CPT 97597).
  • Manage infection: wound cultures, targeted antibiotics, monitor closely (ICD-10-CM L08.1, CPT 87086).
  • Nutritional support: protein, calories for healing. Consult dietitian (ICD-10-CM E43, CPT 97802, 97803).
  • Pain control: multimodal analgesia, assess effectiveness, document clearly (ICD-10-CM G89.29, CPT 99202-99215).

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle (ICD-10 L89.154)
  • Assess/document wound dimensions, undermining/tunneling (SNOMED CT 225305009)
  • Evaluate for infection signs (e.g., purulent drainage, odor, fever) (LOINC 75463-1)
  • Review/document pain level and analgesic plan (ICD-10 G89.29)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Stage 4 Sacral Ulcer reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (L89) and appropriate HCPCS codes for debridement, dressings, and other procedures.
  • Coding quality impacts MS-DRG assignment and hospital reimbursement for Stage 4 Sacral Ulcer patients. Accurate coding maximizes case mix index.
  • Hospital-acquired Stage 4 Sacral Ulcers (PSI 03) negatively impact quality reporting and value-based purchasing programs.
  • Timely and effective treatment documented with precise coding improves patient outcomes and reduces hospital length of stay for Stage 4 Sacral Ulcers.

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 L89.159, Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer
  • Document ulcer size, depth, tissues involved
  • Specify if necrotic, infected, or undermining
  • Link to underlying conditions, e.g., diabetes
  • Consider Z74.02 for aftercare coding

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer, confirmed by visual assessment revealing full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle.  The ulcer bed contains significant necrotic tissue and slough.  Undermining and tunneling are present, dimensions measured at [length] x [width] x [depth] cm.  Surrounding peri-wound skin exhibits signs of maceration and erythema.  Patient reports [presenting symptoms, e.g., pain level using a validated pain scale, odor, drainage].  Comorbidities contributing to ulcer development include [e.g., diabetes, limited mobility, malnutrition].  Current wound care regimen consists of [e.g., debridement frequency and method, type of dressing, offloading measures].  Patient education provided regarding pressure ulcer prevention strategies, including repositioning techniques, nutritional optimization, and skin care.  Plan includes continued wound care management, monitoring for signs of infection, and consultation with [relevant specialists, e.g., wound care nurse, dietitian, physical therapist].  Differential diagnosis considered included Stage 3 pressure ulcer, but ruled out due to exposed deep tissue.  ICD-10 code L89.154 (Pressure ulcer of sacral region, stage 4) assigned.  Treatment plan aims to promote wound healing, manage pain, and prevent complications such as osteomyelitis and sepsis.  Patient's overall functional status and mobility will be assessed and addressed.