ICD-10 Code L98.421 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of back limited to breakdown of skin (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.421 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of back limited to breakdown of skin
What it is
This code describes a chronic, non-pressure ulcer located on the back that is limited to breakdown of the skin. Use it when documentation shows a superficial open lesion without deeper tissue involvement.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent skin breakdown on the back with loss of the epidermis or superficial dermis. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for ulcer depth, drainage, or surrounding skin changes.
When to use this code
Use L98.421 when the provider documents a chronic ulcer on the back and specifies that it is limited to breakdown of skin. It is appropriate when the lesion is non-pressure in origin and not described as deeper than skin level.
Choose this code when the record clearly identifies the back as the site and does not indicate muscle, fat, tendon, or bone involvement. Check documentation if the ulcer location, cause, or depth is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, deeper ulcers, or wounds on other body sites. If the documentation does not confirm a chronic non-pressure ulcer of the back, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify both the anatomic site and ulcer depth in the note before assigning L98.421.