Is ICD-10-CM code L04 billable?

No, L04 (Acute lymphadenitis) 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 L04 belong to?

L04 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

L04Not billable, use a more specific code below

Acute lymphadenitis

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

6 billable codes under L04: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

abscess (acute) of lymph nodes, except mesenteric
acute lymphadenitis, except mesenteric

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

chronic or subacute lymphadenitis, except mesenteric (I88.1)
enlarged lymph nodes (R59.-)
human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease resulting in generalized lymphadenopathy (B20)
lymphadenitis NOS (I88.9)
nonspecific mesenteric lymphadenitis (I88.0)

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 L04.

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 L04

L04 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L04 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 6 billable codes under L04 group to MS-DRG 791, 793, 814, 815, or 816 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to L04

Notes on these codes point to L04.

D75 Excludes2: acute lymphadenitis (L04.-)
I88 Excludes1: acute lymphadenitis, except mesenteric (L04.-)
R59 Excludes1: acute lymphadenitis (L04.-)

About the condition

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

Lymphatic Diseases

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs. It is made up of: Your bone marrow and thymus produce the cells in lymph. They are part of the system, too.

Code history

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