Pressure ulcer of left lower back, unstageable

This code signifies a pressure injury located on the left lower back where the full extent of tissue damage cannot be determined because it is obscured by slough or eschar. This indicates a severe pressure ulcer with an unknown depth of tissue loss.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a pressure ulcer on the left lower back is "unstageable" due to the presence of non-viable tissue (slough or eschar) that prevents accurate staging. This applies to patients presenting with such an ulcer, or during follow-up if the ulcer remains unstageable.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left lower back" and "unstageable."
• Do not use this code if the ulcer is staged (e.g., Stage 2, Stage 3) or if the obscuring tissue has been debrided, revealing a stageable ulcer.
• Always sequence this code after any codes for underlying conditions contributing to the pressure ulcer, such as immobility or malnutrition.