ICD-10 Code K26.4 – Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with hemorrhage (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K26.4 – Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with hemorrhage
What it is
K26.4 identifies a duodenal ulcer that is chronic or not further specified and is accompanied by hemorrhage. Use it when the record shows bleeding from an ulcer in the duodenum.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include evidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, such as hematemesis or melena, with an ulcer confirmed in the duodenum. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K26.4 when the provider documents a chronic duodenal ulcer with active or recent bleeding. It also applies when the ulcer is described as unspecified but hemorrhage is clearly documented. If the note does not confirm the site or bleeding, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for duodenal ulcer without hemorrhage, or when the bleeding source is elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Do not assign it if the record only states suspected bleeding without confirmation.
Coding tip
Link the ulcer site and hemorrhage in the documentation before assigning K26.4.