Is ICD-10-CM code L01 billable?

No, L01 (Impetigo) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code L01 belong to?

L01 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

L01Not billable, use a more specific code below

Impetigo

In Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L08), chapter 12: Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

6 billable codes under L01: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

impetigo herpetiformis (L40.1)

Also applies, from Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L08)

These notes sit on L00-L08 and apply to every code under it, including L01.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

hordeolum (H00.0)
infective dermatitis (L30.3)
local infections of skin classified in Chapter 1
lupus panniculitis (L93.2)
panniculitis NOS (M79.3)
panniculitis of neck and back (M54.0-)
Perlèche NOS (K13.0)
Perlèche due to candidiasis (B37.0)
Perlèche due to riboflavin deficiency (E53.0)
pyogenic granuloma (L98.0)
relapsing panniculitis [Weber-Christian] (M35.6)
viral warts (B07.-)
zoster (B02.-)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers assigning pressure ulcer codes by site and stage, including unstageable, healing, healed, and progressing ulcers, and coding healing or progressing non-pressure chronic ulcers.

Pressure ulcer stage codes (page 58)
Non-Pressure Chronic Ulcers (page 60)

Read Section I.C.12 (page 58)

All codes under L01

L01 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L01 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under L01 group to these 7 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 602 Cellulitis with MCC (6 of 6 codes)
DRG 603 Cellulitis without MCC (6 of 6 codes)
DRG 573 Skin Graft for Skin Ulcer or Cellulitis with MCC (1 of 6 codes)
DRG 574 Skin Graft for Skin Ulcer or Cellulitis with CC (1 of 6 codes)
DRG 575 Skin Graft for Skin Ulcer or Cellulitis without CC/MCC (1 of 6 codes)
DRG 791 Prematurity with Major Problems (1 of 6 codes)
DRG 793 Full Term Neonate with Major Problems (1 of 6 codes)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It is usually caused by staphylococcal (staph) bacteria, but it can also be caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. It is most common in children between the ages of two and six. It usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, or insect bite.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.