Pressure ulcer of unspecified ankle, stage 4

This code signifies a severe pressure injury located on an unspecified ankle, characterized by full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. It indicates extensive destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to supporting structures.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a stage 4 pressure ulcer on either the left or right ankle, without further specification of the exact ankle. Supporting documentation must detail the full-thickness tissue loss and exposure of underlying structures.

• Always code to the highest specificity available regarding laterality (left, right) if documented.
• Do not use this code if the ankle laterality is specified; instead, use the appropriate L89.514 or L89.524.
• Requires documentation of the pressure ulcer's stage as "stage 4" and its anatomical location as "ankle."