ICD-10 Code L98.499 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites with unspecified severity (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.499 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites with unspecified severity
What it is
This code identifies a chronic skin ulcer at a site not covered by more specific ulcer codes, and the severity is not documented. Use it when the record confirms a non-pressure ulcer but does not specify depth or stage.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include a persistent open skin lesion, tissue breakdown, drainage, or delayed healing, but you should code only what is clearly documented.
When to use this code
Use L98.499 when the provider documents a chronic non-pressure ulcer on an “other site” and does not state a more specific location or severity. It also fits when the note confirms an ulcer but leaves depth, stage, or extent unspecified. Check documentation if a more precise ulcer code is available.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, or arterial or venous leg ulcers. If the site or severity is documented more specifically, choose the more exact code instead.
Coding tip
Query for ulcer site and severity before assigning L98.499, because better documentation often supports a more specific code.