Is ICD-10-CM code L27 billable?

No, L27 (Dermatitis due to substances taken internally) 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 L27 belong to?

L27 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

L27Not billable, use a more specific code below

Dermatitis due to substances taken internally

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

5 billable codes under L27: 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)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

adverse food reaction, except dermatitis (T78.0-T78.1)
contact dermatitis (L23-L25)
drug photoallergic response (L56.1)
drug phototoxic response (L56.0)
urticaria (L50.-)

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

These notes sit on L20-L30 and apply to every code under it, including L27.

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 L27

L27 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L27 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under L27 group to MS-DRG 606, 607, 791, or 793 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 606 Minor Skin Disorders with MCC (5 of 5 codes)
DRG 607 Minor Skin Disorders without MCC (5 of 5 codes)
DRG 791 Prematurity with Major Problems (2 of 5 codes)
DRG 793 Full Term Neonate with Major Problems (2 of 5 codes)

Other codes that refer to L27

Notes on these codes point to L27.

L23 Excludes2: dermatitis due to substances taken internally (L27.-)
L24 Excludes2: dermatitis due to substances taken internally (L27.-)
L25 Excludes2: dermatitis due to ingested substances (L27.-)
T36-T50 Code First: dermatitis due to substances taken internally (L27.-)
T78.4 Excludes1: dermatitis (L23-L25, L27.-)

About the condition

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

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.