Pressure ulcer of unspecified hip, unstageable

This code signifies a pressure-induced skin and tissue injury located on an unspecified hip, where the full extent of tissue damage cannot be determined due to obscuring factors like eschar or slough. The depth of the ulcer is unknown, preventing accurate staging.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a pressure ulcer on either the right or left hip, but the specific side is not documented. This code is also appropriate when the wound bed is covered by non-viable tissue (e.g., eschar, slough) to an extent that prevents visualization of the actual tissue loss depth.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "unspecified hip" or does not specify left/right. If a side is documented, a more specific code should be used.
• "Unstageable" implies the presence of necrotic tissue obscuring the wound bed; if the wound is fully debrided and a stage can be determined, this code is no longer appropriate.
• Always sequence this code after any underlying condition or cause of the pressure ulcer, if applicable.