Pressure ulcer of right ankle, unstageable

This code signifies a pressure injury located on the right ankle where the full extent of tissue damage cannot be determined due to obscuring factors like eschar or slough. It indicates a severe pressure ulcer where the base of the wound is not visible, preventing accurate staging.

Use this code when documentation clearly identifies a pressure ulcer on the patient's right ankle and the wound bed is covered by non-viable tissue (e.g., thick eschar, extensive slough) preventing a definitive stage assignment. This code is appropriate when the clinician explicitly states the ulcer is "unstageable" or describes characteristics consistent with an unstageable wound.

• Ensure documentation specifies "right ankle" and explicitly states "unstageable" or describes conditions preventing staging.
• Do not use this code if the ulcer is documented as a different stage (e.g., Stage 2, Stage 3) or if the location is not the right ankle.
• Always sequence this code after any underlying condition that contributed to the pressure ulcer, such as immobility or malnutrition.