ICD-10 Code L89 – Pressure ulcer (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L89 – Pressure ulcer
What it is
L89 identifies a pressure ulcer, also called a decubitus ulcer or bedsore. It is a localized injury to the skin and underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, caused by prolonged pressure or pressure with shear.
Clinical signs
Look for skin discoloration, nonblanching erythema, blistering, open ulceration, or exposed deeper tissue over areas such as the sacrum, heel, or hip. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use L89 when the provider documents a pressure ulcer and the site, laterality, and stage are supported in the record. Code it for ulcers clearly attributed to pressure, including those present on admission or developing during care. If staging or location is missing, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use L89 for diabetic, venous, arterial, or traumatic ulcers unless the record specifically identifies a pressure ulcer. Do not assign it when the lesion is not documented as pressure-related.
Coding tip
Always capture the ulcer stage and exact anatomic site from the provider’s documentation before assigning L89.