ICD-10 Code L97.221 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf limited to breakdown of skin (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L97.221 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left calf limited to breakdown of skin
What it is
This code describes a chronic ulcer on the left calf caused by factors other than pressure. The wound is limited to breakdown of skin, meaning it does not extend into deeper tissue.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include an open skin lesion on the left calf with superficial tissue loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for depth, laterality, and whether the ulcer is chronic.
When to use this code
Use L97.221 when the record clearly states a non-pressure chronic ulcer of the left calf and specifies that only the skin is broken down. You should also confirm that the condition is chronic, not an acute wound. If the documentation identifies a deeper ulcer stage, a different code may apply.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, traumatic wounds, or ulcers on other sites. Check documentation if the lesion extends beyond skin breakdown or if laterality is not confirmed.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and ulcer depth before assigning L97.221.