Is ICD-10-CM code L81 billable?

No, L81 (Other disorders of pigmentation) 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 L81 belong to?

L81 belongs to Chapter 12 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: L00–L99 (Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue).

L81Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other disorders of pigmentation

In Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L80-L99), chapter 12: Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

10 billable codes under L81: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

birthmark NOS (Q82.5)
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (Q85.89)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

nevus - see Alphabetical Index

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 L81

L81 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

L81 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 10 billable codes under L81 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.

About the condition

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

Skin Pigmentation Disorders

Pigmentation means coloring. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the color of your skin. Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the skin make melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body.

Code history

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