All ICD10 Codes
L21Not billable, use a more specific code below

Seborrheic dermatitis

In Dermatitis and eczema (L20-L30), chapter 12: Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

4 billable codes under L21: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

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Instructional notes

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

  • infective dermatitis (L30.3)
  • seborrheic keratosis (L82.-)

Also applies, from Dermatitis and eczema (L20-L30)

These notes sit on L20-L30 and apply to every code under it, including L21.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

  • chronic (childhood) granulomatous disease (D71-)
  • dermatitis gangrenosa (L08.0)
  • dermatitis herpetiformis (L13.0)
  • dry skin dermatitis (L85.3)
  • factitial dermatitis (L98.1)
  • perioral dermatitis (L71.0)
  • radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
  • stasis dermatitis (I87.2)

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.

Read Section I.C.12 (page 58)

All codes under L21

L21 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L21 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 4 billable codes under L21 group to MS-DRG 606 or 607 (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 L21

Notes on these codes point to L21.

  • L82 Excludes2: seborrheic dermatitis (L21.-)

About the condition

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

Dandruff, Cradle Cap, and Other Scalp Conditions

Your scalp is the skin on the top of your head. Unless you have hair loss, hair grows on your scalp. Different skin problems can affect your scalp. Dandruff is a flaking of the skin. The flakes are yellow or white. Dandruff may make your scalp feel itchy. It usually starts after puberty, and is more common in men. Dandruff is usually a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea. It is a skin condition that can also cause redness and irritation of the skin.

Read more about dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions on MedlinePlus

Code history

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