ICD-10 Code L97.119 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right thigh with unspecified severity (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L97.119 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right thigh with unspecified severity
What it is
This code identifies a chronic ulcer on the right thigh that is not caused by pressure. “Unspecified severity” means the record does not document the ulcer depth or stage clearly enough for a more specific code.
Clinical signs
Look for a persistent open sore on the right thigh with skin loss, drainage, or delayed healing. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for depth, tissue involvement, and whether infection or necrosis is present.
When to use this code
Use L97.119 when the provider documents a non-pressure chronic ulcer of the right thigh and does not specify severity. It also fits follow-up visits when the ulcer remains active and the note still lacks detail needed for a more specific code.
If the chart later identifies depth, gangrene, or another more specific qualifier, you should code to the documented specificity instead. Check documentation for the exact anatomic site and whether the ulcer is chronic and non-pressure.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, traumatic wounds, or acute skin breaks. Also avoid it when the ulcer site is not the right thigh or when documentation supports a more specific severity code.
Coding tip
Confirm both laterality and chronic non-pressure etiology before assigning this code, and query for severity if the record is unclear.