ICD-10 Code L98.A321 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left hand limited to breakdown of skin (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.A321 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of left hand limited to breakdown of skin
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on the left hand that is limited to breakdown of the skin. Use it when documentation shows a persistent ulcer without deeper tissue involvement.
Clinical signs
Clinical features may include an open skin lesion, superficial tissue loss, and delayed healing on the left hand. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly states a chronic ulcer of the left hand and specifies that breakdown is limited to the skin. You should also confirm that the ulcer is non-pressure in origin. If the note does not state depth or laterality, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, traumatic wounds, or ulcers extending into deeper tissue. Do not assign it if the documentation does not support chronicity or left-hand location.
Coding tip
Confirm both laterality and ulcer depth in the provider note before assigning L98.A321.