ICD-10 Code L98.A198 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified upper arm with other specified severity (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.A198 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified upper arm with other specified severity
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer located on an unspecified upper arm and documented with a severity that is not otherwise named in the code set. It applies when the record supports a chronic skin break or open lesion, not a pressure injury.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent open ulcer on the upper arm, with delayed healing, drainage, or surrounding skin changes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the exact severity and whether infection or necrosis is present.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a chronic, non-pressure ulcer of the upper arm but does not specify left or right side, and the severity matches the “other specified” category. It is appropriate for outpatient, inpatient, or wound-care notes that clearly describe the lesion. Check documentation if the cause, laterality, or depth is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, or ulcers in a different anatomic site. If the record identifies a more specific upper-arm laterality or a different ulcer type, code that instead.
Coding tip
Confirm that the note supports both “chronic” and “non-pressure” before assigning L98.A198.