Is ICD-10-CM code L29 billable?

No, L29 (Pruritus) 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 L29 belong to?

L29 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

L29Not billable, use a more specific code below

Pruritus

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

7 billable codes under L29: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

neurotic excoriation (L98.1)
psychogenic pruritus (F45.8)

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

These notes sit on L20-L30 and apply to every code under it, including L29.

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 L29

L29 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L29 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under L29 group to these 9 MS-DRGs (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 (4 of 7 codes)
DRG 607 Minor Skin Disorders without MCC (4 of 7 codes)
DRG 729 Other Male Reproductive System Diagnoses with CC/MCC (2 of 7 codes)
DRG 730 Other Male Reproductive System Diagnoses without CC/MCC (2 of 7 codes)
DRG 742 Uterine and Adnexa Procedures for Non-Malignancy with CC/MCC (2 of 7 codes)
DRG 743 Uterine and Adnexa Procedures for Non-Malignancy without CC/MCC (2 of 7 codes)
DRG 757 Infections, Female Reproductive System with MCC (2 of 7 codes)
DRG 758 Infections, Female Reproductive System with CC (2 of 7 codes)
DRG 759 Infections, Female Reproductive System without CC/MCC (2 of 7 codes)

About the condition

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

Itching

Itching is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. Sometimes it can feel like pain, but it is different. Often, you feel itchy in one area in your body, but sometimes you may feel itching all over. Along with the itching, you may also have a rash or hives.

Code history

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