ICD-10 L97
Non-Billable HeaderNon-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified
About ICD-10-CM L97
ICD-10-CM code L97 represents Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower limb, not elsewhere classified. This is a non-billable header code in the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue chapter (block L97). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM L97 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of L97, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- pressure ulcer (pressure area) (L89.-)
- skin infections (L00-L08)
- specific infections classified to A00-B99
Includes
- chronic ulcer of skin of lower limb NOS
- non-healing ulcer of skin
- non-infected sinus of skin
- trophic ulcer NOS
- tropical ulcer NOS
- ulcer of skin of lower limb NOS
Coding Notes
Code First
- any associated underlying condition, such as:
- any associated gangrene (I96)
- atherosclerosis of the lower extremities (I70.23-, I70.24-, I70.33-, I70.34-, I70.43-, I70.44-, I70.53-, I70.54-, I70.63-, I70.64-, I70.73-, I70.74-)
- chronic venous hypertension (I87.31-, I87.33-)
- diabetic ulcers (E08.621, E08.622, E09.621, E09.622, E10.621, E10.622, E11.621, E11.622, E13.621, E13.622)
- postphlebitic syndrome (I87.01-, I87.03-)
- postthrombotic syndrome (I87.01-, I87.03-)
- varicose ulcer (I83.0-, I83.2-)
Medicare LCD Coverage for L97
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list L97 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing L97.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but L97 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with L97
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To L97
Other codes in section L80-L99 (Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue).
ICD-10 L97, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code L97 billable? +
No, L97 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block L97 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for L97? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): pressure ulcer (pressure area) (L89.-); skin infections (L00-L08); specific infections classified to A00-B99
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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