Pressure-induced deep tissue damage of left heel

This code signifies deep tissue injury (DTI) on the left heel, caused by sustained pressure. DTI is characterized by intact skin with underlying tissue damage, often appearing as a purple or maroon localized area of discolored intact skin or blood-filled blister. It indicates severe pressure injury where the full extent of tissue damage is not yet visible.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "deep tissue injury" or "DTI" of the left heel due to pressure. This diagnosis is typically made clinically based on the appearance of the skin and the patient's history of sustained pressure. Documentation should clearly specify the location (left heel) and the nature of the injury (pressure-induced deep tissue damage).

• Do not use this code for open wounds or ulcers; those require specific pressure ulcer stage codes.
• Ensure the documentation differentiates DTI from a Stage 1 pressure ulcer, as DTI involves deeper, unstageable damage.
• This code is often a primary diagnosis when the DTI is the reason for the encounter, or a secondary diagnosis when managing other conditions.