ICD-10 Code L98.496 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites with bone involvement without evidence of necrosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.496 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites with bone involvement without evidence of necrosis
What it is
This code identifies a chronic skin ulcer at a site other than the usual pressure areas, with exposed or involved bone and no documented tissue death. Use it when the record shows a non-pressure ulcer extending to bone.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a persistent open wound, visible or clinically involved bone, and chronic nonhealing skin breakdown. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the ulcer site, depth, and whether necrosis is absent.
When to use this code
Use L98.496 when the provider documents a non-pressure chronic ulcer at another skin site and specifies bone involvement without necrosis. It fits cases where the ulcer is longstanding and the record supports extension to bone. Check documentation if the site or depth is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, or ulcers with documented necrosis. If bone involvement is not stated, or the ulcer site is different, check documentation for a more accurate code.
Coding tip
Confirm both “non-pressure” and “bone involvement without necrosis” in the provider note before assigning L98.496.