All ICD10 Codes
L89Not billable, use a more specific code below

Pressure ulcer

In Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L80-L99), chapter 12: Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

175 billable codes under L89: 50 are an MCC; 100 map to HCC 381 (Pressure Ulcer of Skin with Full Thickness Skin Loss), HCC 379 (Pressure Ulcer of Skin with Necrosis Through to Muscle, Tendon, or Bone), HCC 382 (Pressure Ulcer of Skin with Partial Thickness Skin Loss).A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment. An HCC counts toward a Medicare Advantage patient's risk score.

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Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

  • bed sore
  • decubitus ulcer
  • plaster ulcer
  • pressure area
  • pressure sore

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

Code first: code the underlying condition first, then this code

  • any associated gangrene (I96)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

  • Section I.C.12.a Pressure ulcer stage codes (page 58), covers L89

    Assign as many L89 codes as needed for each ulcer's site and stage. Use unspecified stage when stage is undocumented, code nothing for ulcers healed on admission, and code both the admission and highest stage if it worsens.

Other Chapter 12 topics:

Read Section I.C.12 (page 58)

All codes under L89

L89 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L89 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 175 billable codes under L89 group to MS-DRG 573, 574, 575, 592, 593, or 594 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to L89

Notes on these codes point to L89.

  • G90.4 Use Additional Code: pressure ulcer (pressure area) (L89.-)
  • L97 Excludes2: pressure ulcer (pressure area) (L89.-)
  • L98.4 Excludes2: pressure ulcer (pressure area) (L89.-)
  • L98.A Excludes2: pressure ulcer (pressure area) (L89.-)
  • M70 Excludes2: pressure ulcer (pressure area) (L89.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Pressure Sores

Pressure sores are areas of damaged skin caused by staying in one position for too long. They commonly form where your bones are close to your skin, such as your ankles, back, elbows, heels and hips. You are at risk if you are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or are unable to change your position. Pressure sores can cause serious infections, some of which are life-threatening. They can be a problem for people in nursing homes.

Read more about pressure sores on MedlinePlus

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.