ICD-10 Code L98.4 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin, not elsewhere classified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.4 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin, not elsewhere classified
What it is
L98.4 identifies a chronic ulcer of the skin that is not caused by pressure and does not fit a more specific ulcer category. Use it for a persistent skin break when documentation supports a non-pressure chronic ulcer.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a nonhealing skin ulcer with visible tissue loss, drainage, or surrounding inflammation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for location, cause, and chronicity.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record states a chronic skin ulcer and no pressure-related cause is documented. It is appropriate when the provider describes the lesion as non-pressure and does not assign a more specific ulcer code. Check documentation for site, depth, and any underlying condition.
Do not use for
Do not use L98.4 for pressure ulcers or ulcers with a more specific documented cause or site-based code. Do not assign it when the chart does not clearly support a chronic ulcer diagnosis.
Coding tip
Confirm the ulcer is documented as non-pressure and chronic before coding L98.4.