ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for perforating ulcer
Chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with perforation
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Ulcer, ulcerated, ulcerating, ulceration, ulcerative › perforating”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding perforating ulcer
The ICD-10-CM code for perforating ulcer is K27.5 (Chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with perforation).
Within K27, choose K27.5 (Chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with perforation) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with hemorrhage (K27.0), acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with perforation (K27.1), acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with both hemorrhage and perforation (K27.2), acute peptic ulcer, site unspecified, without hemorrhage or perforation (K27.3), chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with hemorrhage (K27.4), chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with both hemorrhage and perforation (K27.6), chronic peptic ulcer, site unspecified, without hemorrhage or perforation (K27.7) and unspecified as acute or chronic, without hemorrhage or perforation (K27.9).
Use an additional code to identify: alcohol abuse and dependence (F10.-).
As a secondary diagnosis it is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the highest-paying "with MCC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
More specific perforating ulcer codes (official index)
- skin
Common questions about perforating ulcer ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for perforating ulcer?
- K27.5 — Chronic or unspecified peptic ulcer, site unspecified, with perforation.
Is K27.5 billable?
- Yes. K27.5 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can K27.5 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict K27.5 as a principal diagnosis.
Is K27.5 a CC or MCC?
- K27.5 is an MCC (major complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.