ICD-10 Code L89.100 – Pressure ulcer of unspecified part of back, unstageable (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L89.100 – Pressure ulcer of unspecified part of back, unstageable
What it is
L89.100 identifies a pressure ulcer on an unspecified part of the back that cannot be staged because the wound base is covered by slough or eschar. Use it when documentation confirms the back location but not a more specific site.
Clinical signs
The ulcer is typically a localized area of skin and tissue breakdown over the back, with the depth hidden by necrotic tissue. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record states an unstageable pressure ulcer of the back and does not identify a more exact back location. It also fits when the clinician documents the wound as covered by slough or eschar, preventing staging.
Do not use for
Do not use it for pressure ulcers at a specific back site when documentation supports a more precise code. Do not assign it if the ulcer is stageable or if the diagnosis is only suspected. Check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm both the anatomic site and the unstageable status before coding, since a more specific back code may apply.