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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesRadiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissueICD-10-CM l55-sunburn
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Sunburn: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group L55 includes acute sunburn and other ultraviolet radiation-related injuries to the skin, covering manifestations from mild erythema to blistering and necrosis. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document the extent and severity of skin injury, associated complications, and treatment-related encounters such as initial assessment and follow-up care. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM L55 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM L55: Sunburn Overview

    The diagnoses in this group represent sunburn and other acute radiation-related injuries to the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused primarily by ultraviolet exposure. They target the integumentary system, describing degrees of erythema, blistering, and associated skin damage. Accurate coding matters for correct characterization of injury severity and can affect documentation that informs reimbursement and clinical follow-up.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when documenting an encounter for acute sunburn or other ultraviolet radiation-induced skin injury to reflect severity and any related complications. Apply the most specific code available for initial encounters, subsequent care, or sequelae as documented in the clinical record.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    4 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    L55.0Sunburn of first degree
    L55.1Sunburn of second degree
    L55.2Sunburn of third degree
    L55.9Sunburn, unspecified

    DRG Codes

    2 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    606Minor Skin Disorders with MCC
    607Minor Skin Disorders without MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • An adult presents to the emergency department after prolonged unprotected outdoor exposure on a sunny day with diffuse erythema, intense pain to touch, and small areas of blistering on the shoulders and upper back. The clinician documents an acute sunburn with partial-thickness superficial blistering and treats for pain and wound care; a sunburn code indicating blistering is assigned. Typical codes: L55.1
    • A pediatric patient is brought to an urgent care clinic with localized red, warm, non-blistering skin over the face and nose after a day at the beach; symptoms started within hours and the caregiver seeks evaluation for topical management and sun-protection counseling. The encounter is coded as an acute sunburn without blistering because the skin findings are limited to erythema and tenderness only. Typical codes: L55.0
    • An older adult with a history of prior extensive sun exposure is seen during a dermatology follow-up for chronic photosensitivity where frequent episodes of repeated mild sunburns have led to persistent hyperpigmentation and chronic skin changes; the visit documents recurrent sunburn as a contributing chronic skin disorder. Typical codes: L55.2, L55.9

    Related Codes

    L56-OTHER-ACUTE-SKIN-CHANGES

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Acute Skin Changes Due To Ultraviolet Radiation: Group Overview

    L57-SKIN-CHANGES-DUE-TO-NONIONIZING-RADIATION

    ICD-10-CM Code For Skin Changes Due To Chronic Exposure To Nonionizing Radiation: Group Overview

    L58-RADIODERMATITIS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Radiodermatitis: Group Overview

    L59-RADIATION-RELATED-SKIN-DISORDERS

    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Disorders Of Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Related To Radiation: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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