Radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
ICD-10 Codes (26)
L56L56.0L56.1L56.2L56.3L56.4L56.5L56.8L56.9L57L57.0L57.1L57.2L57.3L57.4L57.5L57.8L57.9L58L58.0L58.1L58.9L59L59.0L59.8L59.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
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 L55-L59 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
The L55-L59 range in the ICD-10 pertains to radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. These codes are used to document conditions such as sunburn, actinic keratosis, and radiation-related skin disorders. The range is designed to cover a variety of conditions related to radiation exposure, including both natural (sunlight) and artificial (medical treatment) sources.
Key Usage Points:
- •L55 codes are used for sunburn of varying degrees.
- •L56 codes cover other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation.
- •L57 codes are used for chronic skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation.
- •L58 is for radiodermatitis.
- •L59 codes cover other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue related to radiation.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with sunburn.
- ✓When a patient has skin changes due to UV radiation.
- ✓When a patient has chronic skin changes due to UV radiation.
- ✓When a patient has radiodermatitis.
- ✓When a patient has other skin disorders related to radiation.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the skin condition is not related to radiation.
- ✗When the skin condition is congenital.
- ✗When the skin condition is due to an infection.
- ✗When the skin condition is due to a systemic disease.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's clinical history and provider's notes.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for these codes should include the specific type of radiation-related skin disorder, the cause of the radiation exposure (if known), the severity of the condition, and any related symptoms or complications.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific type of radiation-related skin disorder
- •Cause of radiation exposure
- •Severity of the condition
- •Related symptoms or complications
Supporting Evidence:
- •Clinical examination findings
- •Imaging results
- •Laboratory test results
- •Provider's notes
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with severe sunburn on the back and shoulders after a day at the beach. Skin is red and blistered.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has sunburn.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of radiation-related skin disorder
- ⚠Not documenting the cause of radiation exposure
- ⚠Not indicating the severity of the condition
- ⚠Not documenting related symptoms or complications
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of these codes is considered medium because they require a detailed understanding of different types of radiation-related skin disorders, the causes of radiation exposure, and the associated symptoms and complications. However, with proper documentation, these codes can be used accurately and effectively.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type of radiation-related skin disorder
- ▸Identifying the cause of radiation exposure
- ▸Assessing the severity of the condition
- ▸Documenting related symptoms or complications
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used by dermatologists, but can also be used by primary care physicians, oncologists, and other specialists who treat skin conditions.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • Patient presents with severe sunburn after a day at the beach.
- • Patient has actinic keratosis due to chronic sun exposure.
- • Patient develops radiodermatitis after radiation therapy for cancer.
- • Patient has skin changes due to tanning bed use.
Resources & References
The official ICD-10 guidelines, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the American Society for Radiation Oncology are valuable resources for these codes.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Academy of Dermatology
- American Society for Radiation Oncology
Clinical References:
Educational Materials:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can L55-L59 codes be used for skin conditions due to non-radiation causes?
No, these codes are specifically for radiation-related skin disorders. Other skin conditions have their own specific codes in the ICD-10.