ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code L98.431: Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen limited to breakdown of skin
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen limited to breakdown of skin in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
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.
Code hierarchy
chapter
12Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)
block
L80-L99Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
category
L98Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue, not elsewhere classified
category
L98.4Non-pressure chronic ulcer of skin, not elsewhere classified
category
L98.43Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen
currentL98.43
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
Dermatologist
Related codes
L98.432Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with fat layer exposedcodeL98.433Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with necrosis of musclecodeL98.434Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with necrosis of bonecodeL98.435Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosiscodeL98.436Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with bone involvement without evidence of necrosiscodeL98.438Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with other specified severitycodeL98.439Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with unspecified severitycode
Sibling codes
L98.432Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with fat layer exposedbillableL98.433Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with necrosis of musclebillableL98.434Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with necrosis of bonebillableL98.435Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosisbillableL98.436Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with bone involvement without evidence of necrosisbillableL98.438Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with other specified severitybillableL98.439Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with unspecified severitybillable
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 97598high
DEBRIDEMENT (EG, HIGH PRESSURE WATERJET WITH/WITHOUT SUCTION, SHARP SELECTIVE DEBRIDEMENT WITH SCISSORS, SCALPEL AND FORCEPS), OPEN WOUND, (EG, FIBRIN, DEVITALIZED EPIDERMIS AND/OR DERMIS, EXUDATE, DEBRIS, BIOFILM), INCLUDING TOPICAL APPLICATION(S), WOUND ASSESSMENT, USE OF A WHIRLPOOL, WHEN PERFORMED AND INSTRUCTION(S) FOR ONGOING CARE, PER SESSION, TOTAL WOUND(S) SURFACE AREA; EACH ADDITIONAL 20 SQ CM, OR PART THEREOF (LIST SEPARATELY IN ADDITION TO CODE FOR PRIMARY PROCEDURE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97597high
DEBRIDEMENT (EG, HIGH PRESSURE WATERJET WITH/WITHOUT SUCTION, SHARP SELECTIVE DEBRIDEMENT WITH SCISSORS, SCALPEL AND FORCEPS), OPEN WOUND, (EG, FIBRIN, DEVITALIZED EPIDERMIS AND/OR DERMIS, EXUDATE, DEBRIS, BIOFILM), INCLUDING TOPICAL APPLICATION(S), WOUND ASSESSMENT, USE OF A WHIRLPOOL, WHEN PERFORMED AND INSTRUCTION(S) FOR ONGOING CARE, PER SESSION, TOTAL WOUND(S) SURFACE AREA; FIRST 20 SQ CM OR LESS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97606high
NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY (EG, VACUUM ASSISTED DRAINAGE COLLECTION), UTILIZING DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (DME), INCLUDING TOPICAL APPLICATION(S), WOUND ASSESSMENT, AND INSTRUCTION(S) FOR ONGOING CARE, PER SESSION; TOTAL WOUND(S) SURFACE AREA GREATER THAN 50 SQUARE CENTIMETERS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97605high
NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY (EG, VACUUM ASSISTED DRAINAGE COLLECTION), UTILIZING DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (DME), INCLUDING TOPICAL APPLICATION(S), WOUND ASSESSMENT, AND INSTRUCTION(S) FOR ONGOING CARE, PER SESSION; TOTAL WOUND(S) SURFACE AREA LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 50 SQUARE CENTIMETERS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97602high
REMOVAL OF DEVITALIZED TISSUE FROM WOUND(S), NON-SELECTIVE DEBRIDEMENT, WITHOUT ANESTHESIA (EG, WET-TO-MOIST DRESSINGS, ENZYMATIC, ABRASION, LARVAL THERAPY), INCLUDING TOPICAL APPLICATION(S), WOUND ASSESSMENT, AND INSTRUCTION(S) FOR ONGOING CARE, PER SESSION
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97034high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; CONTRAST BATHS, EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Coding guidelines
Common synonyms
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen limited to breakdown of skin
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.