K26
Non-Billable

Duodenal ulcer

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Duodenal ulcer?

ICD-10-CM K26 is the diagnosis code for Duodenal ulcer. This code falls under the section "Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum" within Chapter 11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for K26

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as K26. They are mutually exclusive:

  • peptic ulcer NOS (K27.-)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where K26 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 9 entries
K26.0Acute duodenal ulcer with hemorrhageBillableK26.1Acute duodenal ulcer with perforationBillableK26.2Acute duodenal ulcer with both hemorrhage and perforationBillableK26.3Acute duodenal ulcer without hemorrhage or perforationBillableK26.4Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with hemorrhageBillableK26.5Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with perforationBillableK26.6Chronic or unspecified duodenal ulcer with both hemorrhage and perforationBillableK26.7Chronic duodenal ulcer without hemorrhage or perforationBillableK26.9Duodenal ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforationBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is K26 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, K26 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does K26 mean?

K26 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Duodenal ulcer". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is K26 in?

K26 is located in Section K20-K31 — "Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum" within Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of K26?

K26 has 9 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: K26.0, K26.1, K26.2, K26.3, K26.4 and more.

When should I use K26?

Use K26 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Duodenal ulcer" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Duodenal ulcer?

The ICD-10-CM code for Duodenal ulcer is K26.

Can K26 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, K26 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is K26 in?

K26 is in Chapter 11 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from K26?

Type 1 Excludes for K26 include: peptic ulcer NOS (K27.-).

Is K26 valid for 2026?

Yes, K26 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousK25.9Gastric ulcer, unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforationNext →K26.0Acute duodenal ulcer with hemorrhage
Code Details
K26
Duodenal ulcer
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
11 — Diseases of the digestive system (K00-K95)
K20-K31 — Diseases of esophagus, stomach and duodenum
2026 ICD-10-CM