2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L28.0Lichen simplex chronicus

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L20-L30›L28

ICD-10-CM L28.0
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

L28.0 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for lichen simplex chronicus. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 606 through 607. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Other specified inflammatory condition of skin.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L28.0
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Lichen simplex chronicus
Short Description
Lichen simplex chronicus
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
L28
Lichen simplex chronicus and prurigo

Code Classification

ChapterL00–L99Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
SectionL20-L30Dermatitis and eczema
CategoryL28Lichen simplex chronicus and prurigo
This CodeL28.0Lichen simplex chronicus

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Chronic graft-versus-host disease
  • Chronic vulvitis
  • Dermatosis of scalp
  • Eczema of male genitalia
  • Friction eczema
  • Frictional lichenoid eruption
  • Hyperkeratosis of female perineum
  • Interface dermatitis
  • Interface dermatitis, lichenoid type
  • Lichen
  • Lichen aureus
  • Lichen nuchae
  • Lichen simplex chronicus
  • Lichen simplex of male genitalia
  • Lichen simplex of perianal skin
  • Lichen simplex of scrotum
  • Lichen simplex of vulva
  • Lichenification of female perineum
  • Lichenification of skin
  • Lichenified eczema
  • Lichenoid chronic graft-versus-host disease
  • Neurodermatitis of external ear
  • Onchocercal lichenification
  • Pebbly lichenification
  • Pigmented purpuric dermatosis
  • Pruritic dermatitis
  • Pruritic scalp dermatosis
  • Purpuric rash
  • Secondary lichenification
  • Texture of skin or mucosa

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Inclusion Terms

  • Circumscribed neurodermatitis
  • Lichen NOS

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.

    • Dermatitis(eczematous)
      • lichenified NEC
    • Eczema(acute) (chronic) (erythematous) (fissum) (rubrum) (squamous)
      • hypertrophicum
    • Eczema(acute) (chronic) (erythematous) (fissum) (rubrum) (squamous)
      • lichenified NEC
    • Eruption
      • skin (nonspecific)
        • lichenoid
    • Lichen
    • Lichen
      • simplex (chronicus) (circumscriptus)
    • Lichenification
    • Neurodermatitis(circumscribed) (circumscripta) (local)
    • Vidal's disease

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR SKN002
Other specified inflammatory condition of skin
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

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.

The full article covers:

  • What is itching?
  • What causes itching?
  • What are the treatments for itching?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert L28.0 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
698.3 Lichenification
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 L28.0Overview

Is L28.0 (Lichen simplex chronicus and prurigo) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does L28.0 group to?

When lichen simplex chronicus is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 606, 607, with relative weights from 0.9064 to 1.5132 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of L28.0?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, lichen simplex chronicus converts to ICD-9-CM 698.3 (lichenification). 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.