ICD-10 Code K25.4 – Chronic or unspecified gastric ulcer with hemorrhage (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K25.4 – Chronic or unspecified gastric ulcer with hemorrhage
What it is
This code identifies a gastric ulcer in the stomach that is chronic or not further specified, and it is documented with bleeding. Use it when the record clearly states a stomach ulcer with hemorrhage.
Clinical signs
Clinical features may include upper gastrointestinal bleeding, such as hematemesis or melena, along with epigastric pain. Endoscopy or other documentation should support the ulcer and hemorrhage; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use K25.4 when the provider documents a gastric ulcer and notes active or recent hemorrhage, but does not specify an acute or peptic ulcer subtype. It also fits when the ulcer is described as chronic, recurrent, or unspecified and bleeding is part of the diagnosis. If the chart does not clearly link the bleeding to the gastric ulcer, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers without hemorrhage, or ulcers with perforation only. If the site or complication is different, choose the more specific code.
Coding tip
Confirm that both the gastric ulcer and hemorrhage are documented together before assigning K25.4.