AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2017 Issue 4; Ask the Editor
Unstageable Pressure Ulcer
What are the correct ICD-10-CM codes and POA indicator for an unstageable pressure ulcer in which an eschar is removed during the patient’s stay to reveal either stage III or stage IV pressure ulcer? ...
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Article Overview
This coding guidance article explains how to report an unstageable pressure ulcer under ICD-10-CM when the ulcer is evaluated during the encounter and its stage can be identified after removal of covering tissue. It is intended for coders, CDI staff, and compliance teams who need to understand the general reporting approach and POA indicator implications for pressure ulcer coding.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate pressure ulcer coding affects diagnosis reporting quality, data integrity, and POA capture. This article helps readers understand the broader ICD-10-CM reporting issue when the apparent stage changes during the stay.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames ICD-10-CM reporting for pressure ulcers that are initially unstageable.
- How POA indicator considerations are discussed in relation to pressure ulcer documentation.
- When the article indicates a pressure ulcer should be reported as unstageable versus staged during the encounter.
- How the article distinguishes the encounter-level assessment from the initial admission status.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation integrity specialists
- Compliance staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
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