Is ICD-10-CM code L23 billable?

No, L23 (Allergic contact dermatitis) 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 L23 belong to?

L23 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

L23Not billable, use a more specific code below

Allergic contact dermatitis

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

11 billable codes under L23: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

allergy NOS (T78.40)
contact dermatitis NOS (L25.9)
dermatitis NOS (L30.9)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

dermatitis due to substances taken internally (L27.-)
dermatitis of eyelid (H01.1-)
diaper dermatitis (L22)
eczema of external ear (H60.5-)
irritant contact dermatitis (L24.-)
perioral dermatitis (L71.0)
radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)

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

These notes sit on L20-L30 and apply to every code under it, including L23.

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.

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

Read Section I.C.12 (page 58)

All codes under L23

L23 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L23 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 11 billable codes under L23 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 L23

Notes on these codes point to L23.

F54 Code First: dermatitis (L23-L25)
L24 Excludes2: allergic contact dermatitis (L23.-)
L25 Excludes1: allergic contact dermatitis (L23.-)
L27 Excludes2: contact dermatitis (L23-L25)
L30 Excludes2: contact dermatitis (L23-L25)
L50 Excludes1: allergic contact dermatitis (L23.-)
L53 Excludes1: erythema due to external agents in contact with skin (L23-L25)
T36-T50 Code First: contact dermatitis (L23-L25)
T78.4 Excludes1: dermatitis (L23-L25, L27.-)

About the condition

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

Allergy

An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are:

Rashes

A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. Many rashes are itchy, red, painful, and irritated. Some rashes can also lead to blisters or patches of raw skin. Rashes are a symptom of many different medical problems. Other causes include irritating substances and allergies. Certain genes can make people more likely to get rashes.

Code history

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