2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L20Atopic dermatitis

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L20-L30›L20

ICD-10-CM L20
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

L20 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for atopic dermatitis, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as L20.0, L20.81, L20.82, and L20.83.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L20
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Atopic dermatitis
Short Description
Atopic dermatitis
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
L20-L30
Dermatitis and eczema

Code Classification

ChapterL00–L99Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
SectionL20-L30Dermatitis and eczema
CategoryL20Atopic dermatitis
This CodeL20Atopic dermatitis

Specific Coding for Atopic dermatitisOverview

Non-specific codes like L20 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use L20.0 for Besnier's prurigo

  • L20.8 for Other atopic dermatitis

  • Use L20.81 for Atopic neurodermatitis

  • Use L20.82 for Flexural eczema

  • Use L20.83 for Infantile (acute) (chronic) eczema

  • Use L20.84 for Intrinsic (allergic) eczema

  • Use L20.89 for Other atopic dermatitis

  • Use L20.9 for Atopic dermatitis, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to L20: its own notes plus those printed at block L20-L30 and Chapter 12. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block L20-L30 Dermatitis and eczema applies to 74 codes
  • chronic (childhood) granulomatous disease (D71-)
  • dermatitis gangrenosa (L08.0)
  • dermatitis herpetiformis (L13.0)
  • dry skin dermatitis (L85.3)
  • factitial dermatitis (L98.1)
  • perioral dermatitis (L71.0)
  • radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
  • stasis dermatitis (I87.2)
From Chapter 12 (L00-L99) Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue applies to 1,001 codes
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
  • complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
  • congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • lipomelanotic reticulosis (I89.8)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)
  • systemic connective tissue disorders (M30-M36)
  • viral warts (B07.-)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Block L20-L30 Dermatitis and eczema applies to 74 codes
  • In this block the terms dermatitis and eczema are used synonymously and interchangeably.

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Dermatitis, Atopic

    a chronic inflammatory genetically determined disease of the skin marked by increased ability to form reagin (ige), with increased susceptibility to allergic rhinitis and asthma, and hereditary disposition to a lowered threshold for pruritus. it is manifested by lichenification, excoriation, and crusting, mainly on the flexural surfaces of the elbow and knee. in infants it is known as infantile eczema.

Patient EducationClinical

Eczema

Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Scratching the skin can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About L20Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for atopic dermatitis?

L20 is the ICD-10-CM category for atopic dermatitis, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is L20 (Atopic dermatitis) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for atopic dermatitis, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for atopic dermatitis need a more specific code from this category, such as L20.0, L20.81, and L20.82.