ICD-10 Code L89.110 – Pressure ulcer of right upper back, unstageable (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L89.110 – Pressure ulcer of right upper back, unstageable
What it is
This code identifies a pressure ulcer on the right upper back whose depth cannot be determined because the wound bed is covered by slough or eschar. It is used when staging is not possible from the available documentation.
Clinical signs
The ulcer may appear as an open area with yellow slough, black eschar, or other tissue covering the base. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for site, laterality, and whether the wound is truly unstageable.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents a pressure ulcer on the right upper back and states it is unstageable. You should also use it when the record clearly shows the ulcer location and the wound bed cannot be assessed because of covering tissue.
Do not infer a stage from appearance alone if the documentation says the ulcer is unstageable. Confirm that the site is the right upper back and that no more specific stage is documented elsewhere in the record.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure injuries at other body sites or for ulcers with a documented stage. Do not use it when the record only says “wound” or “skin breakdown” without pressure-ulcer documentation.
Coding tip
Check the wound note for exact location, laterality, and the word “unstageable” before assigning L89.110.