Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L81

Other disorders of pigmentation

ICD-10-CM Code:
L81
ICD-10 Code for:
Other disorders of pigmentation
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
    (L00–L99)
    • Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
      (L80-L99)
      • Other disorders of pigmentation
        (L81)

L81 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other disorders of pigmentation. 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 Other disorders of pigmentation

Non-specific codes like L81 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 other disorders of pigmentation:

  • Use L81.0 for Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L81.1 for Chloasma - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L81.2 for Freckles - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L81.3 for Cafe au lait spots - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L81.4 for Other melanin hyperpigmentation - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L81.5 for Leukoderma, not elsewhere classified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L81.6 for Other disorders of diminished melanin formation - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L81.7 for Pigmented purpuric dermatosis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L81.8 for Other specified disorders of pigmentation - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L81.9 for Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Patient Education


Skin Pigmentation Disorders

Pigmentation means coloring. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the color of your skin. Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the skin make melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body.

If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. Pregnancy, Addison's disease, and sun exposure all can make your skin darker. If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter. Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin. Albinism is a genetic condition affecting a person's skin. A person with albinism may have no color, lighter than normal skin color, or patchy missing skin color. Infections, blisters and burns can also cause lighter skin.


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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.