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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. K00–K95
  4. K20-K31
  5. Duodenal ulcer (K26)

Duodenal ulcer (K26)

ICD-10 code K26 is used to classify various types of duodenal ulcers, which are sores located in the first part of the small intestine. These codes detail whether the ulcer is acute or chronic, and if complications such as hemorrhage (bleeding) or perforation (a hole forming through the wall) are present.

This section includes codes for acute duodenal ulcers with hemorrhage (K26.0), perforation (K26.1), both hemorrhage and perforation (K26.2), or without these complications (K26.3). Chronic or unspecified ulcers are similarly categorized from K26.4 to K26.7, with distinctions based on presence or absence of hemorrhage and/or perforation. The unspecified code K26.9 covers duodenal ulcers not clearly defined as acute or chronic and without complications. These codes also relate to common synonyms such as “acute peptic ulcer with hemorrhage and obstruction” and “chronic duodenal ulcer with perforation,” helping medical coders identify the correct classification for clinical documentation and billing. Understanding these specific codes improves accuracy in coding conditions like duodenal ulcer with bleeding or intestinal rupture and assists healthcare professionals in treatment tracking.

Instructional Notations

Includes

This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.

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

Use Additional Code

The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.

  • code to identify:
  • alcohol abuse and dependence F10

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • peptic ulcer NOS K27

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Duodenal Ulcer

A PEPTIC ULCER located in the DUODENUM.

Essential Tremor

A relatively common disorder characterized by a fairly specific pattern of tremors which are most prominent in the upper extremities and neck, inducing titubations of the head. The tremor is usually mild, but when severe may be disabling. An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance may occur in some families (i.e., familial tremor). (Mov Disord 1988;13(1):5-10)