2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L89.603Pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 3

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L80-L99›L89

ICD-10-CM L89.603
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

L89.603 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 3. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 573 through 575, 592 through 594. The code is flagged as an unspecified code, since codes identifying laterality exist in the same family. Coders also document this condition as pressure injury of heel stage III. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Pressure ulcer of skin.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L89.603
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 3
Short Description
Pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 3
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
L89.60
Pressure ulcer of unspecified heel

Code Classification

ChapterL00–L99Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
SectionL80-L99Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
CategoryL89Pressure ulcer
This CodeL89.603Pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 3

Code EditsBilling

Medicare Code Editor checks that affect claim validity for L89.603.

Unspecified codes
Unspecified codes exist in the ICD-10-CM classification for circumstances when documentation in the medical record does not provide the level of detail needed to support reporting a more specific code. However, in the inpatient setting, there should generally be very limited and rare circumstances for which the laterality (right, left, bilateral) of a condition is unable to be documented and reported. The following pages contain the list of unspecified ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for which there is a more specific code to identify laterality (right, left, bilateral) within that code family.

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Pressure injury of heel stage III

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Healing pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 3
  • Pressure ulcer with full thickness skin loss involving damage or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue, unspecified heel

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR SKN003
Pressure ulcer of skin
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

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.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert L89.603 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
707.07 Pressure ulcer, heel
ApproximateCombination The match is approximate, and more than one code can be needed to describe the source diagnosis. Confirm with contextual judgment.
ICD-9-CM
707.23 Pressure ulcer,stage III
ApproximateCombination The match is approximate, and more than one code can be needed to describe the source diagnosis. Confirm with contextual judgment.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About L89.603Overview

Is L89.603 (Pressure ulcer of unspecified heel) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 3 on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does L89.603 group to?

When pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 3 is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 573, 574, 575, 592, 593, 594, with relative weights from 0.8668 to 6.5514 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of L89.603?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, stage 3 converts to ICD-9-CM 707.07 (pressure ulcer, heel) and 707.23 (pressure ulcer,stage III). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.