AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2025 Issue 4; New/Revised ICD-10-CM Codes
Non-pressure Chronic Ulcers of the Skin by Site and Severity
Non-pressure chronic skin ulcers can develop on any area of the body due to various conditions, such as injuries, poor circulation related to arterial disease and venous insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and other disorders that impair blood flow. Patients with skin ulcers may experience itching, swelling, skin discoloration, pain, tenderness, and scabbing. Skin ulcers can take a long time to heal, and can become infected and cause other medical complications, if left untreated. In severe cases, ulcers can develop into deep wounds, extending through muscle tissue, and exposing bones and joints. At category, L98, Other disorders of skin...
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Article Overview
This article explains a coding update in ICD-10-CM related to non-pressure chronic skin ulcers and how they are organized by anatomical site and severity. It is useful for coders, CDI specialists, and clinicians who work with wound care, dermatology, vascular disease, diabetes-related complications, and other conditions associated with chronic skin ulcers. The article focuses on the structure of the updated categories and the types of clinical situations these codes are intended to capture.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate classification of chronic skin ulcers affects documentation quality, data reporting, and code selection for wound-related encounters. The update adds site-specific detail that can matter for patients with complex ulcers linked to circulation problems, diabetes, or other underlying disorders.
What You Will Learn
- How non-pressure chronic skin ulcers are categorized in ICD-10-CM
- Which body sites are included in the updated ulcer categories
- How the article frames ulcer severity within the new coding structure
- Why these ulcer categories are relevant across multiple underlying conditions
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Clinical documentation improvement specialists
- Wound care professionals
- Dermatology practices
- Vascular medicine specialists
- Primary care documentation staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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