What does ICD-10 code K26 mean?

ICD-10 code K26 is the standardized code used for duodenal ulcer in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code K26 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code K26 when recording duodenal ulcer in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code K26 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code K26: Duodenal ulcer

Name: ICD-10 Code K26: Duodenal ulcer
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:15:20.208Z

K26 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Duodenal ulcer. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents duodenal ulcer in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

11Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)

block

K20-K31Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum

currentK20-K31

Official coding notes

Includes

erosion (acute) of duodenum
duodenum ulcer (peptic)
postpyloric ulcer (peptic)

Applicable to

code to identify:
alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)

Excludes1 (do not code together)

peptic ulcer NOS (K27.-)

Use additional code

code to identify:
alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

GastroenterologistGeneral Physician

Sibling codes

K20Esophagitis K21Gastro-esophageal reflux disease K22Other diseases of esophagus K23Disorders of esophagus in diseases classified elsewherebillable K25Gastric ulcer K27Peptic ulcer, site unspecified K28Gastrojejunal ulcer K29Gastritis and duodenitis K30Functional dyspepsiabillable K31Other diseases of stomach and duodenum

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

K26

Replacement codes

K26.0 — Acute duodenal ulcer with hemorrhageK26.1 — Acute duodenal ulcer with perforationK26.2 — Acute duodenal ulcer with both hemorrhage and perforationK26.3 — Acute duodenal ulcer without hemorrhage or perforationK26.4 — Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with hemorrhageK26.5 — Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with perforationK26.6 — Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with both hemorrhage and perforationK26.7 — Chronic duodenal ulcer without hemorrhage or perforationK26.9 — Duodenal ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation

Common synonyms

Duodenal ulcer

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.