For any wound, including a skin tear, if pressure was a contributing factor in development of the wound, then it is considered to be a pressure ulcer and should be staged for M1. Under those circumstances, it should also be coded in M2a. If pressure was not a contributing cause, and it does not otherwise meet the definition for coding in M1 (developed because of circulatory problems, pressure, or in association with other diseases such as syphilis), then code it in M4.
Rena
Subj: Rena help Re: skin tears/skin ulcers
Date: 11/19/03 8:16:38 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent from the Internet
Boy this one gets tricky! I am under the impression that if you have a skin tear on a boney prominence you have to decide wether it is pressure or not? However if it is not on a boney prominece it is coded in m4.
Rena R. Shephard, MHA, RN, FACDONA, RAC-C
Healthcare Consultant
