ICD-10 Code K25.5 – Chronic or unspecified gastric ulcer with perforation (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K25.5 – Chronic or unspecified gastric ulcer with perforation
What it is
This code identifies a gastric ulcer in the stomach that has perforated, meaning the ulcer has created a hole through the stomach wall. Use it when the record documents chronic or unspecified gastric ulcer with perforation.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly documented findings include sudden severe abdominal pain, signs of peritonitis, or imaging evidence of a perforated gastric ulcer.
When to use this code
Use K25.5 when the provider documents a chronic or unspecified gastric ulcer with perforation, whether the perforation is current or the diagnosis is confirmed during the encounter. Code from the medical record, not from presumed history alone. If the site or chronicity is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for duodenal ulcer perforation, acute gastric ulcer with perforation, or peptic ulcer disease without a documented gastric location. Check documentation if the record does not clearly state perforation.
Coding tip
Confirm both the gastric site and the perforation in the provider note before assigning K25.5.