ICD-10 Code K26.5 – Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with perforation (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K26.5 – Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with perforation
What it is
This code identifies a duodenal ulcer that has perforated, meaning the ulcer has created a hole through the duodenal wall. Use it when the record states the ulcer is chronic or does not specify acuity.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Perforation is typically documented with sudden severe abdominal pain and signs of an acute abdominal emergency, but you should code only what the provider records.
When to use this code
Use K26.5 when the diagnosis clearly states chronic duodenal ulcer with perforation or unspecified duodenal ulcer with perforation. Apply it when the note links the perforation to the duodenal ulcer and does not identify a different ulcer site or a different complication.
If the documentation says only “duodenal ulcer” without perforation, or if the perforation is from another cause, this code is not appropriate. Check documentation for chronicity and the exact ulcer complication.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for duodenal ulcer with hemorrhage, obstruction, or unspecified complication. It is also wrong if the perforation is documented without an ulcer cause or if the ulcer site is not duodenal.
Coding tip
Code the ulcer complication exactly as documented; if perforation is present, do not default to a nonperforated ulcer code.