Chapter 12: Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue (L00–L99) Flashcards
(15 cards)
What do pressure ulcer codes (L89) tell you?
They show where the ulcer is and what stage (1–4, unstageable, deep tissue, unspecified).
True or False: You only assign one code, even if a patient has multiple pressure ulcers.
False – Use as many codes as needed to capture all ulcers.
When do you use L89.–0 (unstageable)?
When the ulcer’s stage can’t be determined, like when it’s covered by eschar or had a skin graft.
When do you use L89.–9 (unspecified stage)?
When no documentation is provided about the stage.
If a patient is admitted with an unstageable ulcer, but it gets debrided and the stage is now known, what should you code?
Code only the revealed stage — not both.
What if the pressure ulcer was already fully healed before admission?
Do not code it at all.
What if a pressure ulcer gets worse during the hospital stay?
Code two times:
One code for the stage at admission
Another code for the new, worsened stage
If a pressure ulcer is healing, how should you code it?
Code it based on the stage that is documented. If it’s not documented, use unspecified stage.
What code do you use if a pressure injury is labeled “deep tissue damage”?
Use only L89.–6 (deep tissue), not a stage 1–4 code.
What are non-pressure ulcers?
Ulcers not caused by pressure — often due to things like diabetes or poor circulation.
If a non-pressure ulcer is completely healed at admission, should you code it?
No — don’t assign a code.
If a non-pressure ulcer is healing, how do you code it?
Code based on documented severity
If severity isn’t stated, use unspecified severity
If it’s unclear whether the ulcer is new or healing, what should you do?
Ask the provider
Can non-physicians document ulcer stages?
Yes — see Section I.B.14. for which clinicians can document stage/severity.
What do you do if a non-pressure ulcer gets worse during the hospital stay?
Code twice:
One for how bad it was at admission
One for the worst severity it reached before discharge
