ICD-10 Code L97.203 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified calf with necrosis of muscle (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L97.203 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified calf with necrosis of muscle
What it is
This code identifies a chronic ulcer on the calf that is not caused by pressure and extends to necrosis of muscle. Use it when the documentation specifies the calf location but does not identify right or left.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent open wound on the calf with exposed or dead muscle tissue. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, depth, and whether the ulcer is truly non-pressure.
When to use this code
Use L97.203 when the provider documents a chronic non-pressure ulcer of the calf with muscle necrosis and no side is stated. It fits outpatient, inpatient, and wound-care records when the ulcer depth is clearly documented. If the note identifies right or left calf, choose the more specific code instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, or ulcers at another leg site. Do not assign it when the record does not support muscle necrosis; Check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm chronicity, non-pressure cause, calf location, and unspecified laterality before coding; otherwise, select a more specific or different ulcer code.