ICD-10 Code K27.5 – Chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with perforation (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K27.5 – Chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with perforation
What it is
This code identifies a chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer in an unspecified site that has perforated. Use it when the record confirms a peptic ulcer with perforation but does not specify a more exact location.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include sudden abdominal pain and signs of an acute perforated ulcer, with confirmation by imaging, surgery, or other clinical evidence.
When to use this code
Use K27.5 when the provider documents a chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer with perforation and does not identify the site. It fits cases where the ulcer is not described as gastric, duodenal, or another specific location. If the chart names a more specific ulcer type or site, code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for peptic ulcers without perforation or for ulcers with a documented specific site that has its own code. Check documentation if the note describes bleeding, obstruction, or another complication instead.
Coding tip
Look for the exact wording “with perforation” and an unspecified site before assigning K27.5.