Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L12.3

Acquired epidermolysis bullosa

ICD-10-CM Code:
L12.3
ICD-10 Code for:
Acquired epidermolysis bullosa
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
    (L00–L99)

L12.3 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of acquired epidermolysis bullosa. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Acquired epidermolysis bullosa

Non-specific codes like L12.3 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for acquired epidermolysis bullosa:

  • Use L12.30 for Acquired epidermolysis bullosa, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L12.31 for Epidermolysis bullosa due to drug - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L12.35 for Other acquired epidermolysis bullosa - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Benign Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid

    a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the development of blisters and ulcers in mucous membranes. it affects most often the gums, eyelids and genital mucosa sites.
  • Bullous Pemphigoid

    an autoimmune chronic skin disorder characterized by the presence of large blisters. it usually affects elderly people and tends to subside spontaneously.
  • COL17A1 wt Allele|BA16H23.2|BA16H23.2 (Collagen, Type XVII, Alpha 1 (BP180)) Gene|BP180|BPA-2|BPAG2|Bullous Pemphigoid Antigen 2 (180kD) Gene|Collagen Type XVII Alpha 1 Chain wt Allele|Collagen, Type XVII, Alpha 1 Gene|Collagen, Type XVII, Alpha-1 Gene|ERED|LAD-1

    human col17a1 wild-type allele is located in the vicinity of 10q25.1 and is approximately 55 kb in length. this allele, which encodes collagen alpha-1(xvii) chain protein, is involved in hemidesmosome formation and keratinocyte adhesion. mutation of the gene and immunoreactivity during revertant mosaicism is associated with both generalized atrophic benign and junctional epidermolysis bullosa. mutations in the gene are also associated with epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy.
  • Collagen Alpha-1(XVII) Chain|180 kDa Bullous Pemphigoid Antigen 2|Alpha 1 Type XVII Collagen|Bullous Pemphigoid Antigen 2|COL17A1|Collagen Type XVII Alpha 1 Chain|Collagen Type XVII Alpha 1 Polypeptide|Type XVII Collagen Alpha-1

    collagen alpha-1(xvii) chain (1497 aa, ~150 kda) is encoded by the human col17a1 gene. this protein plays a role in the attachment of keratinocytes to the basement membrane.
  • Dystonin|230 kDa Bullous Pemphigoid Antigen|230/240 kDa Bullous Pemphigoid Antigen|Bullous Pemphigoid Antigen|Bullous Pemphigoid Antigen 1|Bullous Pemphigoid Antigen 1, 230/240kDa|DST|Dystonia Musculorum Protein|Hemidesmosomal Plaque Protein|Trabeculin-Beta

    dystonin (7570 aa, ~860 kda) is encoded by the human dst gene. this protein plays a structural role in cytoskeleton networks.
  • Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid

    a chronic autoimmune disorder that belongs to the mucous membrane pemphigoid disorders. it is characterized by bilateral scarring and opacification of the conjunctivae. it presents with pain and burning sensation in the eyes and photophobia. it leads to blindness.
  • Pemphigoid

    a rare autoimmune blistering skin disorder that resembles pemphigus but is histologically and clinically distinguishable by lack of evidence of acantholysis and a generally benign course.
  • Pemphigoid Antibody Measurement|PEMAB|Pemphigoid Antibodies|Pemphigoid Antibodies

    the determination of the amount of pemphigoid antibodies present in a sample.
  • Pemphigoid Gestationis|Gestational Pemphigoid|Gestational Pemphigoid|Herpes Gestationis

    an autoimmune bullous dermatitis that develops during pregnancy, most often during the second and third trimesters.

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • epidermolysis bullosa congenital Q81

Patient Education


Skin Conditions

What does your skin do?

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It covers the entire outside of your body. There are many ways that your skin protects your body and helps keep you healthy. For example, it:

  • Holds body fluids in, which helps prevent you from getting dehydrated
  • Keeps out harmful germs, which helps prevent infections
  • Helps you feel things like heat, cold, and pain
  • Helps control your body temperature
  • Makes vitamin D when the sun shines on it
  • Shields your body against heat and light

What problems and conditions can affect your skin?

There are many different problems and conditions which can affect your skin. Some of them can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as itching, burning, redness, and rashes. They might also affect your appearance. Some of the more common skin conditions include:

  • Acne, which causes pimples when hair follicles under your skin get clogged up
  • Burns
  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Dandruff, flaking of the skin on your scalp (the top of your head)
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis), which causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin
  • Hives, which are red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin
  • Insect bites
  • Psoriasis, which causes itchy, scaly red patches
  • Skin cancer
  • Skin infections

How can I keep my skin healthy?

Since your skin protects your body in many ways, it's important to try to keep your skin healthy. For example, you can:

  • Wear the right protective equipment, like gloves, long sleeves, knee and elbow pads, or helmets to protect against cuts, bumps and scrapes.
  • If you do get a cut or scrape, clean it right away with soap and warm water. Put on a bandage to protect it while it heals.
  • When you are spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants and use insect repellant to prevent insect bites.
  • Prevent sunburn by covering up and using sunscreen when outdoors.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • When you take a shower or bath, use warm (not hot) water. Use mild cleansers and wash gently (don't scrub).
  • Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams, or ointments, to prevent dry skin.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of rare diseases that cause fragile skin that leads to blistering and tearing.
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.