Pressure ulcer of unspecified site, unstageable

This code signifies a pressure-related skin and tissue injury where the full extent of tissue damage cannot be determined because the wound base is obscured by slough or eschar. It indicates a deep tissue injury that is not stageable due to non-viable tissue covering the wound.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a pressure ulcer is present but its stage cannot be assessed due to the presence of slough or eschar. This applies when debridement is required before a definitive stage can be assigned.

• Do not use this code if the pressure ulcer has been debrided and a stage can now be determined.
• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis if the pressure ulcer is a secondary condition.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "unstageable" or describes an obscured wound base due to slough/eschar.