ICD-10 Code L98.494 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites with necrosis of bone (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.494 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites with necrosis of bone
What it is
This code identifies a chronic skin ulcer at a site other than the usual pressure points, with documented necrosis of bone. Use it when the ulcer is non-pressure in origin and the bone is dead or devitalized.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent open wound with tissue breakdown, drainage, and exposed or affected bone. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the ulcer location, chronicity, and evidence of bone necrosis.
When to use this code
Use L98.494 when the record clearly states a chronic non-pressure ulcer on another site and specifies necrosis of bone. It is appropriate when the provider documents bone involvement, even if the exact depth details are limited.
Choose this code only when the ulcer is not a pressure injury and the documentation supports chronicity. If the note is unclear about bone necrosis, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, or ulcers without bone necrosis. If the ulcer site or cause is different, select the more specific documented code.
Coding tip
Verify both elements: non-pressure chronic ulcer and necrosis of bone; if either is missing, the code may not be supported.