ICD-10 Code L98.A396 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified hand with bone involvement without evidence of necrosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L98.A396 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified hand with bone involvement without evidence of necrosis
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on the hand when the bone is involved and there is no necrosis. Use it for a documented ulcer that extends to bone, not for a simple skin wound.
Clinical signs
Typical documentation may describe an open ulcer on the hand with exposed or involved bone, persistent drainage, or delayed healing. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents a chronic ulcer of the hand with bone involvement and states there is no necrosis. It is appropriate when the site is unspecified hand and the ulcer is non-pressure in origin. If the record does not clearly confirm bone involvement, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use it for pressure ulcers, acute traumatic wounds, or ulcers without bone involvement. Do not assign it if necrosis is documented; choose the code that matches the recorded tissue status.
Coding tip
Confirm both the anatomic site and the “without necrosis” wording before you code.