ICD-10 Code L98.A196 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified upper arm with bone involvement without evidence of necrosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.A196 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified upper arm with bone involvement without evidence of necrosis
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on the upper arm, with bone involvement and no evidence of necrosis. Use it when documentation shows the ulcer extends to bone but does not describe dead tissue.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include a persistent open ulcer on the upper arm, depth suggesting bone exposure or involvement, and absence of necrotic tissue in the wound description.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a chronic ulcer of the upper arm with bone involvement and specifically states there is no necrosis. It applies when the site is unspecified upper arm and the ulcer is not pressure-related. If the note does not clearly support bone involvement, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, ulcers without bone involvement, or ulcers with documented necrosis. If the location is not the upper arm or the chart is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code only when the record clearly supports chronicity, upper-arm location, bone involvement, and absence of necrosis.