ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code L98.438: Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with other specified severity
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 with other specified severity 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
L98.431Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen limited to breakdown of skincodeL98.432Non-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 necrosiscodeL98.439Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with unspecified severitycode
Sibling codes
L98.431Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen limited to breakdown of skinbillableL98.432Non-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 necrosisbillableL98.439Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with unspecified severitybillable
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 97034high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; CONTRAST BATHS, EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97032high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (MANUAL), EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97026high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; INFRARED
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97033high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; IONTOPHORESIS, EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97018high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; PARAFFIN BATH
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97035high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; ULTRASOUND, EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Coding guidelines
Common synonyms
Non-pressure chronic ulcer of abdomen with other specified severity
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.