L89.142
BillablePressure ulcer of left lower back, stage 2
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 382 — Pressure Ulcer of Skin with Partial Thickness Skin Loss
0.000V24HCC 159 — Pressure Ulcer of Skin with Partial Thickness Skin Loss
0.000ESRDHCC 159 — Pressure Ulcer of Skin with Partial Thickness Skin Loss
0.000What This Code Means
A stage 2 pressure sore on the left lower back involving partial thickness skin loss, appearing as a blister, abrasion, or shallow open wound.
Coding Tips
- •Stage 2 involves partial-thickness skin loss but does not extend into subcutaneous tissue; document depth and appearance clearly
- •Distinguish from stage 1 by confirming the epidermis and part of dermis are involved
Clinical Significance
Stage 2 pressure ulcers of the left lower back represent early-stage pressure injury with partial-thickness skin loss. While these are the mildest form of open pressure ulcers, they indicate that preventive measures have been insufficient and signal risk for progression. Early and aggressive treatment at this stage can prevent development of more serious tissue damage.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Exact anatomical location specified as left lower back
- ✓Stage explicitly documented as stage 2
- ✓Wound presentation (blister, abrasion, shallow crater)
- ✓Wound measurements
- ✓Skin condition around the wound
- ✓Risk factor assessment (Braden scale score if documented)
- ✓Prevention and treatment interventions
Commonly Confused Codes
Code Hierarchy
└L89Pressure ulcer└L89.1Pressure ulcer of back└L89.14Pressure ulcer of left lower back└L89.142Pressure ulcer of left lower back, stage 2
└L89.142Pressure ulcer of left lower back, stage 2