ICD-10 Code L98.453 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of neck with necrosis of muscle (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.453 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of neck with necrosis of muscle
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on the neck that extends into muscle tissue with necrosis. Use it when documentation clearly states a neck ulcer and muscle necrosis, not a pressure injury.
Clinical signs
Expect a persistent open lesion on the neck with tissue breakdown and exposed or necrotic muscle. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for depth, chronicity, and whether the ulcer is non-pressure in origin.
When to use this code
Use L98.453 when the provider documents a chronic ulcer of the neck and specifies necrosis of muscle. It also fits when the record describes a non-pressure ulcer with muscle involvement and no pressure-related cause. Check documentation if the site or depth is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, or ulcers without muscle necrosis. If the location is different from the neck or the depth is not documented, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm both the anatomic site and the phrase “necrosis of muscle” before assigning L98.453.