ICD-10 Code L98.A393 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified hand with necrosis of muscle (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.A393 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified hand with necrosis of muscle
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on an unspecified hand with necrosis of muscle. Use it when the ulcer is not caused by pressure and documentation confirms muscle death.
Clinical signs
The wound is typically persistent and open, with tissue loss extending to muscle. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, depth, and any surrounding inflammation or drainage.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly states a chronic non-pressure ulcer of the hand and specifies necrosis of muscle. It also fits when the hand is not further identified as right or left, but the diagnosis is otherwise documented. Check documentation if the ulcer cause or depth is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, or ulcers without muscle necrosis. Do not assign it if the hand site is not documented or if another ulcer type is specified.
Coding tip
Confirm the ulcer is chronic, non-pressure, and involves muscle before assigning L98.A393.