Is ICD-10-CM code L51 billable?

No, L51 (Erythema multiforme) 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 L51 belong to?

L51 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

L51Not billable, use a more specific code below

Erythema multiforme

In Urticaria and erythema (L49-L54), chapter 12: Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

6 billable codes under L51: 3 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (L00)
Ritter's disease (L00)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5)
code to identify associated manifestations, such as:
arthropathy associated with dermatological disorders (M14.8-)
conjunctival edema (H11.42)
conjunctivitis (H10.22-)
corneal scars and opacities (H17.-)
corneal ulcer (H16.0-)
edema of eyelid (H02.84-)
inflammation of eyelid (H01.8-)
keratoconjunctivitis sicca (H16.22-)
mechanical lagophthalmos (H02.22-)
stomatitis (K12.-)
symblepharon (H11.23-)
code to identify percentage of skin exfoliation (L49.-)

Also applies, from Urticaria and erythema (L49-L54)

These notes sit on L49-L54 and apply to every code under it, including L51.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

Lyme disease (A69.2-)
rosacea (L71.-)

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 L51

L51 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L51 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 6 billable codes under L51 group to MS-DRG 595 or 596 (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 L51

Notes on these codes point to L51.

M14.8 Code First: erythema multiforme (L51.-)

About the condition

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

Skin Conditions

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It covers the entire outside of your body. There are many ways that your skin protects your body and helps keep you healthy. For example, it:

Code history

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