Q&A: When are pressure ulcers considered HACs?

Q: If a patient is immobile or comatose for an extended period of time in the hospital and develops a stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcer of the left upper back, would this be considered a hospital-acquired condition (HAC)?

A: Yes. Per CMS guidelines, stage 3 (L89.123) and stage 4 (L89.124) pressure ulcers of the left upper back that develop after admission to the hospital are classified as HACs. Preventive measures should be taken for patients in this state to try to prevent the development of the pressure ulcers, or if they do develop, try to slow or stop the progression of the ulcers and promote healing.

Editor’s note: Sarah Humbert, RHIA, AHIMA-certified ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, coding and compliance manager for KIWI-TEK, LLC, answered this questions during HCPro’s webinar Pressure Ulcer Coding: Strategies for ICD-10-CM Coding Accuracy.

This answer was provided based on limited information. Be sure to review all documentation specific to your own individual scenario before determining appropriate code assignment.

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