ICD-10 Code L97.211 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right calf limited to breakdown of skin (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L97.211 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of right calf limited to breakdown of skin
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on the right calf that involves only the skin’s surface breakdown. It does not describe a pressure injury or a deeper wound.
Clinical signs
You may see a persistent open area, superficial skin loss, or a shallow sore on the right calf. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for ulcer depth and whether other tissue layers are involved.
When to use this code
Use L97.211 when the record clearly states a chronic ulcer of the right calf and specifies breakdown of skin only. It fits outpatient, inpatient, or wound-care documentation when the ulcer is non-pressure and the anatomic site is the right calf.
If the provider documents laterality, location, and depth, you can code it directly. Check documentation when the note is vague, when the ulcer is due to pressure, or when deeper tissue involvement is described.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers or for ulcers on a different leg site. Also avoid it when documentation shows fat, muscle, or bone involvement instead of skin breakdown.
Coding tip
Confirm three elements in the note: non-pressure cause, right calf location, and skin-only depth.