Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, stage 3

This code signifies a full-thickness skin and tissue loss on an unspecified ankle, where subcutaneous fat may be visible, but bone, tendon, or muscle are not exposed. It typically presents as a deep crater with or without undermining or tunneling of adjacent tissue.

Apply this code when documentation clearly identifies a pressure ulcer on either the right or left ankle, and the ulcer has progressed to Stage 3. This stage is characterized by visible subcutaneous tissue but no exposed deeper structures. Ensure the physician's notes explicitly state "Stage 3" or provide a description consistent with this stage.

• Do not use this code if the specific ankle (right or left) is documented; instead, choose the appropriate laterality code.
• Confirm that the documentation specifies "pressure ulcer" and not another type of ulcer (e.g., venous stasis, diabetic).
• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis for the patient's admission or encounter, if applicable.