ICD-10 Code L98.438 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with other specified severity (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.438 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with other specified severity
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer located on the abdomen with a severity level that is not otherwise specified. Use it when the record clearly states the abdominal site and “other specified severity.”
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. In general, a chronic ulcer may show a persistent open lesion, delayed healing, drainage, or surrounding skin breakdown, but the chart must support the abdominal location and severity wording.
When to use this code
Use L98.438 when the provider documents a chronic, non-pressure ulcer of the abdomen and specifies a severity category that fits “other specified severity.” It is appropriate for outpatient, inpatient, or wound-care notes when the site and ulcer type are explicit. If the note only says “abdominal wound” or does not state chronic ulcer, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, surgical incisions, or ulcers at a different body site. If the severity is not documented, or the record uses another ulcer category, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm both the anatomic site and the exact severity wording before assigning L98.438.