2021 ICD-10-CM Code L89.81

Pressure ulcer of head

  1. ICD-10-CM Index
  2. Chapter: L00–L99
  3. Section: L80-L99
  4. Block: L89
  5. L89.81 - Pressure ulcer of head
Version 2021
Non-Billable Code

Not Valid for Submission

L89.81 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 head. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2021 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.

ICD-10:L89.81
Short Description:Pressure ulcer of head
Long Description:Pressure ulcer of head

Code Classification

Specific Coding for Pressure ulcer of head

Non-specific codes like L89.81 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for pressure ulcer of head:

  • BILLABLE CODE - Use L89.810 for Pressure ulcer of head, unstageable
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use L89.811 for Pressure ulcer of head, stage 1
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use L89.812 for Pressure ulcer of head, stage 2
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use L89.813 for Pressure ulcer of head, stage 3
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use L89.814 for Pressure ulcer of head, stage 4
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use L89.816 for Pressure-induced deep tissue damage of head
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use L89.819 for Pressure ulcer of head, unspecified stage

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10 codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more. The following references are applicable to the code L89.81:


Inclusion Terms

Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.

Index to Diseases and Injuries

The Index to Diseases and Injuries is an alphabetical listing of medical terms, with each term mapped to one or more ICD-10 code(s). The following references for the code L89.81 are found in the index:

Information for Patients


Pressure Sores

Also called: Bed sores, Decubitus ulcers, Pressure ulcers

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

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 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 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)

Previous Code: L89.8

Related Codes

Next Code: L89.810