Pressure ulcer of left upper back, unstageable

This code signifies a pressure injury located on the patient's left upper back where the full extent of tissue damage cannot be determined. This is due to the wound bed being obscured by slough or eschar, preventing accurate staging of the ulcer's depth.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a pressure ulcer on the left upper back is "unstageable." This typically occurs when the wound is covered by non-viable tissue, such as thick eschar or extensive slough, making it impossible to assess the deepest tissue involvement.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "left upper back" and "unstageable" for accurate code assignment.
• Do not use this code if the ulcer is fully debrided and a stage can be determined; instead, code to the appropriate stage.
• Sequence this code after any underlying condition that contributed to the pressure ulcer, if applicable.