Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L29

Pruritus

ICD-10-CM Code:
L29
ICD-10 Code for:
Pruritus
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

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

L29 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of pruritus. 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 Pruritus

Non-specific codes like L29 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 pruritus:

  • Use L29.0 for Pruritus ani - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L29.1 for Pruritus scroti - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L29.2 for Pruritus vulvae - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L29.3 for Anogenital pruritus, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L29.8 for Other pruritus - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L29.9 for Pruritus, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Pruritus

    an intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or scratch the skin to obtain relief.
  • Pruritus Ani

    intense chronic itching in the anal area.
  • Pruritus Vulvae

    intense itching of the external female genitals.

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.
  • neurotic excoriation L98.1
  • psychogenic pruritus F45.8

Patient Education


Itching

What is itching?

Itching is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch your skin. Sometimes it can feel like pain, but it is different. Often, you feel itchy in one area in your body, but sometimes you may feel itching all over. Along with the itching, you may also have a rash or hives.

What causes itching?

Itching is a symptom of many health conditions. Some common causes are:

  • Allergic reactions to food, insect bites, pollen, and medicines
  • Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin
  • Irritating chemicals, cosmetics, and other substances
  • Parasites such as pinworms, scabies, head and body lice
  • Pregnancy
  • Liver, kidney, or thyroid diseases
  • Certain cancers or cancer treatments
  • Diseases that can affect the nervous system, such as diabetes and shingles

What are the treatments for itching?

Most itching is not serious. To feel better, you could try:

  • Applying cold compresses
  • Using moisturizing lotions
  • Taking lukewarm or oatmeal baths
  • Using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines
  • Avoiding scratching, wearing irritating fabrics, and exposure to high heat and humidity

Contact your health care provider if your itching is severe, does not go away after a few weeks, or does not have an apparent cause. You may need other treatments, such as medicines or light therapy. If you have an underlying disease that is causing the itching, treating that disease may help.


[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.