ICD-10 Code L98.45 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of neck (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.45 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of neck
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer located on the neck. It is used when the skin breakdown is not caused by pressure injury and the neck is the documented site.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include an open sore with delayed healing, tissue loss, or drainage at the neck. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for depth, chronicity, and any surrounding skin changes.
When to use this code
Use L98.45 when the provider documents a chronic ulcer of the neck and does not describe it as a pressure injury. It may apply when the record clearly identifies the site but gives limited detail on severity. Check documentation for laterality, cause, and any associated conditions.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, or ulcers at another anatomic site. If the chart does not confirm a chronic non-pressure neck ulcer, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify that “neck” is the documented location and that the ulcer is explicitly non-pressure before assigning this code.