ICD-10 Code K25.0 – Acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K25.0 – Acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage
What it is
This code identifies a gastric ulcer in the stomach lining that is described as acute and complicated by bleeding. It tells you the ulcer is active and has caused hemorrhage.
Clinical signs
Common findings include upper gastrointestinal bleeding, such as hematemesis or melena, with symptoms of an active gastric ulcer. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K25.0 when the record clearly documents an acute gastric ulcer with hemorrhage. Apply it when the provider links the bleeding to a stomach ulcer, not merely to nonspecific abdominal pain or suspected GI bleeding.
If the note states both gastric ulcer and hemorrhage, ensure the ulcer is coded as acute and that the bleeding is part of the diagnosis. Check documentation when chronicity or ulcer site is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for duodenal ulcers, peptic ulcers without gastric location, or gastric ulcers without hemorrhage. Check documentation if the bleeding source is not confirmed.
Coding tip
Code the ulcer site, acuity, and complication together; if any element is missing, review the chart before assigning K25.0.