2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L01.03Bullous impetigo

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L00-L08›L01

ICD-10-CM L01.03
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

L01.03 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for bullous impetigo. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 602 through 603. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Skin and subcutaneous tissue infections.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L01.03
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Bullous impetigo
Short Description
Bullous impetigo
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
L01.0
Impetigo

Code Classification

ChapterL00–L99Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
SectionL00-L08Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
CategoryL01Impetigo
This CodeL01.03Bullous impetigo

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Bullous eruption
  • Bullous impetigo of napkin area
  • Dermatitis of the newborn
  • Impetigo bullosa
  • Impetigo neonatorum
  • Infection of diaper area
  • Neonatal pyogenic infection of skin
  • Neonatal staphylococcal infection of skin
  • Pemphigus neonatorum
  • Pemphigus of vulva

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Impetigo neonatorum
  • Pemphigus neonatorum

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Impetigo(any organism) (any site) (circinate) (contagiosa) (simplex) (vulgaris)
      • bullous, bullosa
    • Impetigo(any organism) (any site) (circinate) (contagiosa) (simplex) (vulgaris)
      • neonatorum
    • Pemphigus
      • neonatorum

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR SKN001
Skin and subcutaneous tissue infections
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Impetigo

    a common superficial bacterial infection caused by staphylococcus aureus or group a beta-hemolytic streptococci. characteristics include pustular lesions that rupture and discharge a thin, amber-colored fluid that dries and forms a crust. this condition is commonly located on the face, especially about the mouth and nose.

  • Staphylococcus aureus

    potentially pathogenic bacteria found in nasal membranes, skin, hair follicles, and perineum of warm-blooded animals. they may cause a wide range of infections and intoxications.

  • Impetigo

    a contagious bacterial cutaneous infection that affects children and is usually caused by staphylococcus aureus. it usually presents in the face with honey colored scabs.

Patient EducationClinical

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It is usually caused by staphylococcal (staph) bacteria, but it can also be caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. It is most common in children between the ages of two and six. It usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, or insect bite.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert L01.03 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
684 Impetigo
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About L01.03Overview

Is L01.03 (Impetigo) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report bullous impetigo on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does L01.03 group to?

When bullous impetigo is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 602, 603, with relative weights from 0.8709 to 1.4213 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of L01.03?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, bullous impetigo converts to ICD-9-CM 684 (impetigo). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.