L89.502
BillablePressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, 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 moderate pressure wound (bedsore) on the ankle involving partial-thickness skin loss with a shallow open sore or blister.
Coding Tips
- •Verify stage 2 documentation confirms partial-thickness skin loss affecting epidermis and/or dermis
- •Ensure the ulcer is located on the ankle and document any drainage or surrounding skin condition
Clinical Significance
Stage 2 pressure ulcers of the unspecified ankle represent partial-thickness skin loss at a site with minimal soft tissue protection. Ankle pressure ulcers commonly result from contact with bed frames, footboards, or medical devices. Early identification is critical because the ankle's thin tissue means rapid progression to deeper stages is common.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Anatomical location specified as ankle (query for laterality)
- ✓Stage explicitly documented as stage 2
- ✓Wound appearance and measurements
- ✓Contributing device or surface identified
- ✓Surrounding skin condition
- ✓Heel elevation or offloading strategy
- ✓Prevention and treatment plan
Commonly Confused Codes
Code Hierarchy
└L89Pressure ulcer└L89.5Pressure ulcer of ankle└L89.50Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle└L89.502Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, stage 2
└L89.502Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, stage 2