2025 ICD-10-CM code L98.49
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites. Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin NOS.
Medical necessity for treatment of this condition is established by the presence of a chronic ulcer that is impacting the patient's quality of life or posing a risk of complications, such as infection or further tissue damage.
Clinicians responsible for diagnosing and managing skin ulcers would use this code, including dermatologists, primary care physicians, wound care specialists, and general surgeons.
- 12 Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
- L98 Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skinL98.4 Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites
In simple words: This code represents a chronic skin ulcer that occurs in areas other than the lower limbs and is not caused by pressure, infection, or varicose veins.
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin of other sites.This code excludes pressure ulcer (pressure area) (L89.-), gangrene (I96), skin infections (L00-L08), specific infections classified to A00-B99, ulcer of lower limb NEC (L97.-), and varicose ulcer (I83.0-I83.93).
Example 1: A patient presents with a chronic ulcer on their upper back that is not related to pressure. The ulcer has been present for several months and shows no signs of healing., A patient with diabetes develops a chronic ulcer on their hand. The ulcer is not infected and is not due to pressure., A patient with a history of vasculitis develops a chronic ulcer on their forearm. After ruling out infection and pressure as causes, the physician diagnoses it as a non-pressure chronic ulcer.
Documentation should include the location of the ulcer, its chronicity (duration), the absence of pressure as a cause, and any associated conditions, such as diabetes or vasculitis. Photographs and measurements of the ulcer can also be helpful.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Dermatology, Primary Care, Wound Care, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, Nursing Facility, Home Health