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  3. K00–K95
  4. K20-K31
  5. Peptic ulcer, site unspecified (K27)

Peptic ulcer, site unspecified (K27)

ICD-10 code K27 covers peptic ulcers where the exact location in the stomach or duodenum is not specified. It includes both acute and chronic types, as well as conditions with complications such as bleeding (hemorrhage) and perforation.

The section includes specific codes like K27.0 for acute peptic ulcers with hemorrhage and K27.1 for those with perforation. Codes such as K27.4 and K27.5 represent chronic or unspecified ulcers with hemorrhage or perforation, respectively. Some codes describe ulcers with both hemorrhage and perforation (K27.2 and K27.6), while others identify ulcers without these complications (K27.3, K27.7, and K27.9). Common synonyms like “acute peptic ulcer with hemorrhage,” “stress ulcer,” and “drug-induced peptic ulcer” help clarify coding choices when the ulcer site is not determined. These codes are essential for accurately classifying unspecified peptic ulcers for treatment and medical documentation.

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.

  • gastroduodenal ulcer NOS
  • peptic ulcer NOS

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 of newborn P78.82

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.

Peptic Ulcer

Ulcer that occurs in the regions of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT which come into contact with GASTRIC JUICE containing PEPSIN and GASTRIC ACID. It occurs when there are defects in the MUCOSA barrier. The common forms of peptic ulcers are associated with HELICOBACTER PYLORI and the consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage

Bleeding from a PEPTIC ULCER that can be located in any segment of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.

Peptic Ulcer Perforation

Penetration of a PEPTIC ULCER through the wall of DUODENUM or STOMACH allowing the leakage of luminal contents into the PERITONEAL CAVITY.