2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L29Pruritus

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L20-L30›L29

ICD-10-CM L29
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

L29 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for pruritus, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as L29.0, L29.1, L29.2, and L29.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L29
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Pruritus
Short Description
Pruritus
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
CategoryL29Pruritus
This CodeL29Pruritus

Specific Coding for PruritusOverview

Non-specific codes like L29 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use L29.0 for Pruritus ani

  • Use L29.1 for Pruritus scroti

  • Use L29.2 for Pruritus vulvae

  • Use L29.3 for Anogenital pruritus, unspecified

  • L29.8 for Other pruritus

  • Use L29.81 for Cholestatic pruritus

  • Use L29.89 for Other pruritus

  • Use L29.9 for Pruritus, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to L29: 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.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

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

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

  • Pruritus

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

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.

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 L29Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for pruritus?

L29 is the ICD-10-CM category for pruritus, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is L29 (Pruritus) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for pruritus, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for pruritus need a more specific code from this category, such as L29.0, L29.1, and L29.2.

Can L29 be reported with L98.1?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on L29 lists "neurotic excoriation (L98.1)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).