ICD-10 Code K26.9 – Duodenal ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K26.9 – Duodenal ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation
What it is
K26.9 identifies a duodenal ulcer when the record does not specify whether it is acute or chronic, and there is no documented bleeding or perforation. Use it for a peptic ulcer in the duodenum with limited detail.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include epigastric pain, dyspepsia, nausea, or symptoms that improve or worsen with meals. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for endoscopic confirmation or provider-described ulcer location.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a duodenal ulcer but does not state whether it is acute or chronic. It also applies when the chart shows no hemorrhage and no perforation. If the note gives a more specific ulcer type or complication, code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use K26.9 if the ulcer is documented as bleeding, perforated, or both. Also avoid it when the record identifies a different site, such as a gastric ulcer, or gives a more specific duodenal ulcer code.
Coding tip
Check the endoscopy report and provider note for bleeding, perforation, and chronicity before assigning K26.9.