Is ICD-10-CM code L57 billable?

No, L57 (Skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation) 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 L57 belong to?

L57 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

L57Not billable, use a more specific code below

Skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation

8 billable codes under L57: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

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

code to identify the source of the ultraviolet radiation (W89), or other nonionizing radiation (W90)

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 L57

L57 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L57 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under L57 group to MS-DRG 606, 607, or 795 (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 (8 of 8 codes)
DRG 607 Minor Skin Disorders without MCC (8 of 8 codes)
DRG 795 Normal Newborn (1 of 8 codes)

Other codes that refer to L57

Notes on these codes point to L57.

L98.7 Excludes2: skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation (L57.-)

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.