2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L89.50

Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle

ICD-10-CM Code:
L89.50
ICD-10 Code for:
Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
    (L00–L99)
    • Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
      (L80-L99)
      • Pressure ulcer
        (L89)

L89.50 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like L89.50 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle

Non-specific codes like L89.50 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle:

  • Use L89.500 for Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, unstageable - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L89.501 for Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, stage 1 - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L89.502 for Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, stage 2 - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L89.503 for Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, stage 3 - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L89.504 for Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, stage 4 - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L89.506 for Pressure-induced deep tissue damage of unspecified ankle - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L89.509 for Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, unspecified stage - BILLABLE CODE

Patient Education


Pressure Sores

Pressure sores are areas of damaged skin caused by staying in one position for too long. They commonly form where your bones are close to your skin, such as your ankles, back, elbows, heels and hips. You are at risk if you are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or are unable to change your position. Pressure sores can cause serious infections, some of which are life-threatening. They can be a problem for people in nursing homes.

You can prevent the sores by :

  • Keeping skin clean and dry
  • Changing position every two hours
  • Using pillows and products that relieve pressure

Pressure sores have a variety of treatments. Advanced sores are slow to heal, so early treatment is best.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.