Non-prs chronic ulcer of unsp hand limited to brkdwn skin

This code signifies a persistent, non-pressure-related open sore on an unspecified hand, where the ulceration is confined to the superficial layers of the skin. It indicates a chronic skin integrity issue on the hand not caused by sustained pressure.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on the hand, and the depth is explicitly noted as "breakdown of skin" or superficial. This is appropriate for conditions like venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers, or neuropathic ulcers affecting the hand, provided the depth is limited to skin breakdown and the specific hand is not documented.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states "non-pressure" and "chronic" for the ulcer.
• Verify that the ulcer depth is limited to "breakdown of skin" and does not involve deeper tissues.
• Avoid using this code if the specific hand (right or left) is documented; instead, use the more specific codes in the L98.A3- series.