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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesRadiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissueICD-10-CM l56-other-acute-skin-changes
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Other Acute Skin Changes Due To Ultraviolet Radiation: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group L56 includes acute photodermatoses such as sunburn and other skin reactions caused by ultraviolet radiation, covering degrees of burn and associated inflammatory responses. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical encounters for acute ultraviolet-induced skin injury, capturing severity, extent of skin involvement, and any complications. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM L56 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM L56: Other Acute Skin Changes Due To Ultraviolet Radiation Overview

    The ICD-10-CM L56 group represents acute skin changes caused by ultraviolet radiation exposure, including sunburn and related photodermatoses affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue. These conditions target the integumentary system, often presenting with erythema, blistering, or pain after excessive sun exposure. Accurate coding ensures appropriate clinical documentation and supports correct reimbursement for services related to diagnosis and treatment.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when the clinical encounter documents an acute skin reaction attributable to ultraviolet radiation, such as sunburn with specified degree or complications. Select the code that reflects the documented severity, location, and any associated complications to accurately represent the encounter.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    8 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    L56.0Drug phototoxic response
    L56.1Drug photoallergic response
    L56.2Photocontact dermatitis [berloque dermatitis]
    L56.3Solar urticaria
    L56.4Polymorphous light eruption
    L56.5Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP)
    L56.8Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation
    L56.9Acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified

    DRG Codes

    2 rows

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

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • A young adult presents to urgent care hours after prolonged sunbathing with painful, erythematous, well-demarcated patches and superficial blistering on the chest and shoulders. The patient reports intense burning pain, heat exposure, and difficulty wearing clothing over the affected areas; diagnosis is assigned for an acute phototoxic skin reaction from ultraviolet exposure. Typical codes: L56.0, L56.2
    • An older patient receiving therapeutic UVB phototherapy for chronic psoriasis develops localized, persistent hyperpigmented macules and patches in previously treated sites noted over weeks of treatment adjustment. They present to dermatology for evaluation of cumulative skin changes related to radiation exposure from medical therapy and management of chronic post-exposure skin alteration; a radiation-related skin disorder code is selected. Typical codes: L56.8, L56.4
    • A fair-skinned child presents to the emergency department with rapid-onset widespread blistering and systemic symptoms (fever, malaise) after accidental overexposure to a tanning lamp; clinicians document acute severe skin reaction with evidence of epidermal necrosis risk and consider higher-acuity management. A specific acute ultraviolet-induced skin disorder code is assigned to reflect the acute radiation-related injury and guide further care. Typical codes: L56.1, L56.3

    Related Codes

    L55-SUNBURN

    ICD-10-CM Code For Sunburn: 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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