Non-pressure chronic ulcer of face with necrosis of bone

This code describes a persistent, non-pressure-related open sore on the face that has progressed to involve the underlying bone tissue, indicating significant tissue death. It signifies a severe, deep ulceration not caused by sustained pressure, with osteonecrosis as a complication.

Use this code for patients presenting with a chronic ulcer on the facial region where the medical record explicitly documents necrosis of the underlying bone, and the etiology is clearly not pressure-related. Documentation should specify the chronicity of the ulcer and the involvement of bone.

• Ensure documentation clearly differentiates from pressure ulcers; if pressure is a factor, a different code set (L89.-) is appropriate.
• Verify the ulcer is chronic, not acute, and specifically located on the face.
• Look for explicit mention of "necrosis of bone" or similar terminology to support the highest level of specificity.