Pressure ulcer of unspecified heel, unstageable

This code signifies a pressure-induced skin and tissue injury located on an unspecified heel, where the full extent of tissue damage cannot be determined due to obscuring factors such as eschar or slough. It indicates a severe ulcer where the base is not visible, preventing accurate staging.

Apply this code when documentation clearly identifies a pressure ulcer on either the left or right heel, but the depth of tissue loss cannot be assessed due to the presence of non-viable tissue. This is appropriate when debridement is required before definitive staging can occur.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "unstageable" and specifies the heel as the anatomical site.
• Do not use this code if the ulcer is clearly stageable (e.g., Stage 1, 2, 3, 4) or if the heel is specified as left or right.
• Sequence this code after any underlying condition that contributed to the pressure ulcer, such as immobility or malnutrition.