L20-L30
Medium Complexity
Dermatitis and eczema
Primary Specialty: Dermatology
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
ICD-10 Codes (70)
59 billable3 category headers
L21L21.0Billable
L21.1Billable
L21.8Billable
L21.9Billable
L22Billable
L23L23.0Billable
L23.1Billable
L23.2Billable
L23.3Billable
L23.4Billable
L23.5Billable
L23.6Billable
L23.7Billable
L23.8L23.81Billable
L23.89Billable
L23.9Billable
L24L24.0Billable
L24.1Billable
L24.2Billable
L24.3Billable
L24.4Billable
L24.5Billable
L24.6Billable
L24.7Billable
L24.8L24.81Billable
L24.89Billable
L24.9Billable
L25L25.0Billable
L25.1Billable
L25.2Billable
L25.3Billable
L25.4Billable
L25.5Billable
L25.8Billable
L25.9Billable
L26Billable
L27L27.0Billable
L27.1Billable
L27.2Billable
L27.8Billable
L27.9Billable
L28L28.0Billable
L28.1Billable
L28.2Billable
L29L29.0Billable
L29.1Billable
L29.2Billable
L29.3Billable
L29.8L29.81Billable
L29.89Billable
L29.9Billable
L30L30.0Billable
L30.1Billable
L30.2Billable
L30.3Billable
L30.4Billable
L30.5Billable
L30.8Billable
L30.9Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for L20-L30 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
high priority
The ICD-10 code range L20-L30 is dedicated to dermatitis and eczema, encompassing various forms of skin inflammation. These codes cover conditions from atopic dermatitis (L20) to other dermatitis (L30). They are used to specify the type, cause, and location of dermatitis or eczema, providing a comprehensive way to document these common skin conditions.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity, considering the type and cause of dermatitis.
- •Remember to code for the location of the dermatitis if specified in the medical record.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated underlying conditions.
- •Consider the patient's age as some codes within this range are age-specific.
- •For contact dermatitis (L23-L25), identify the substance causing the reaction.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms of skin inflammation and is diagnosed with a specific type of dermatitis or eczema.
- ✓When a patient with a known dermatitis or eczema condition comes in for a routine check-up or flare-up.
- ✓When a patient has contact dermatitis due to exposure to a specific substance.
- ✓When a patient's dermatitis is due to an underlying condition.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient's skin condition is not specifically diagnosed as dermatitis or eczema.
- ✗When the dermatitis is a minor part of a more significant condition.
- ✗When the dermatitis is a symptom of a systemic disease not covered in this range.
- ✗When the patient's condition is a skin disorder other than dermatitis or eczema.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions by referring to the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Documentation Requirements
Accurate documentation for dermatitis and eczema should include a clear diagnosis, the specific type of dermatitis or eczema, the cause if known, and the location of the condition.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific type of dermatitis or eczema
- •Cause of the dermatitis, if known
- •Location of the condition
- •Severity of the condition
- •Underlying conditions, if any
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical examination findings
- •Histopathological results, if any
- •Allergy test results, if performed
- •Patient's medical history
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with red, itchy rash on hands. Diagnosed with contact dermatitis due to exposure to latex gloves.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a rash.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the type of dermatitis
- âš Failing to document the cause of contact dermatitis
- âš Not indicating the location of the condition
- âš Not documenting associated underlying conditions
Range Statistics
11
Total Codes
59
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:12
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
The complexity of coding dermatitis and eczema lies in the need to accurately identify the type, cause, and location of the condition. Additionally, some codes within this range are age-specific, adding another layer of complexity.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Identifying the specific type of dermatitis
- â–¸Determining the cause of the dermatitis
- â–¸Coding for the location of the condition
- â–¸Coding for associated underlying conditions
- â–¸Understanding the age-specific codes within this range
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used by dermatologists, but can also be used by primary care physicians and allergists. They are essential for diagnosing, treating, and tracking the progress of patients with dermatitis and eczema.
Primary Specialties:
Dermatology
60%
Primary Care
30%
Allergy and Immunology
10%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • Patient with severe atopic dermatitis requiring specialist care
- • Child with diaper dermatitis
- • Patient with contact dermatitis due to nickel allergy
- • Elderly patient with asteatotic dermatitis
- • Patient with seborrheic dermatitis due to HIV
Resources & References
Resources for coding dermatitis and eczema include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, clinical reference books, and educational materials from professional coding organizations.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Coding Guidelines
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Coding Resources
Clinical References:
- Dermatology: 2-Volume Set by Bolognia, Jorizzo and Schaffer
- Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine
Educational Materials:
- AHIMA ICD-10-CM Coding Resources
- AAPC ICD-10-CM Training
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for dermatitis due to an unknown substance?
If the substance causing contact dermatitis is unknown, use the code for unspecified contact dermatitis (L25.9).