Is ICD-10-CM code L55 billable?

No, L55 (Sunburn) 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 L55 belong to?

L55 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

L55Not billable, use a more specific code below

Sunburn

4 billable codes under L55: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

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 L55

L55 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L55 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 4 billable codes under L55 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 L55

Notes on these codes point to L55.

K13.0 Excludes1: cheilitis due to radiation-related disorders (L55-L59)
L20-L30 Excludes2: radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
L23 Excludes2: radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
L24 Excludes2: radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
L25 Excludes2: radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
T20-T32 Excludes2: radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
T20-T32 Excludes2: sunburn (L55.-)
T66 Excludes1: radiation related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
T66 Excludes1: sunburn (L55.-)
T67 Excludes1: radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
T67 Excludes2: sunburn (L55.-)
X32 Excludes2: radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)

About the condition

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

Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible form of radiation. They can pass through your skin and damage your skin cells. Sunburns are a sign of skin damage. Suntans aren't healthy, either. They appear after the sun's rays have already killed some cells and damaged others. UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or at any temperature. They can also cause eye problems, wrinkles, skin spots, and skin cancer.

Code history

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