ICD-10 Code L98.455 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of neck with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.455 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of neck with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosis
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on the neck that extends into muscle but shows no necrosis. Use it when the wound is not caused by pressure and the documentation confirms muscle involvement.
Clinical signs
Expect an open neck wound with chronic tissue loss and documented extension beyond skin and subcutaneous tissue. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for depth, drainage, surrounding inflammation, and whether muscle is involved.
When to use this code
Use L98.455 when the record clearly states a chronic non-pressure ulcer of the neck with muscle involvement and no necrosis. It may appear in wound-care, surgical, or specialty notes describing depth by anatomic layer. If the site, cause, or depth is unclear, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, ulcers with necrosis, or ulcers at a different body site. Do not use it if the note only describes a superficial wound or does not confirm muscle involvement.
Coding tip
Verify both anatomic location and wound depth in the provider note before coding.