2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L40

Psoriasis

ICD-10-CM Code:
L40
ICD-10 Code for:
Psoriasis
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

L40 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of psoriasis. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2025 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 Psoriasis

Non-specific codes like L40 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 psoriasis:

  • Use L40.0 for Psoriasis vulgaris - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.1 for Generalized pustular psoriasis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.2 for Acrodermatitis continua - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.3 for Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.4 for Guttate psoriasis - BILLABLE CODE

  • L40.5 for Arthropathic psoriasis - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.50 for Arthropathic psoriasis, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.51 for Distal interphalangeal psoriatic arthropathy - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.52 for Psoriatic arthritis mutilans - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.53 for Psoriatic spondylitis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.54 for Psoriatic juvenile arthropathy - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.59 for Other psoriatic arthropathy - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.8 for Other psoriasis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L40.9 for Psoriasis, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
    L00–L99

Clinical Information

  • Arthritis, Psoriatic

    a type of inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, often involving the axial joints and the peripheral terminal interphalangeal joints. it is characterized by the presence of hla-b27-associated spondylarthropathy, and the absence of rheumatoid factor.
  • Guttate Psoriasis

    a skin condition, typically emerges suddenly and frequently occurs after an infection such as streptococcal infection. while prevalent among children, it can also manifest in young adults. its defining feature is the eruption of small, red, scaly patches that typically appear on the arms, legs, and torso.
  • Psoriasis

    a common genetically determined, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by rounded erythematous, dry, scaling patches. the lesions have a predilection for nails, scalp, genitalia, extensor surfaces, and the lumbosacral region. accelerated epidermopoiesis is considered to be the fundamental pathologic feature in psoriasis.
  • Streptococcal Infections

    infections with bacteria of the genus streptococcus.

Patient Education


Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. You usually get the patches on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your body. Some people who have psoriasis also get a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.

A problem with your immune system causes psoriasis. In a process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in your skin rise to the surface. Normally, this takes a month. In psoriasis, it happens in just days because your cells rise too fast.

Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. Your doctor might need to look at a small skin sample under a microscope.

Psoriasis can last a long time, even a lifetime. Symptoms come and go. Things that make them worse include:

  • Infections
  • Stress
  • Dry skin
  • Certain medicines

Psoriasis usually occurs in adults. It sometimes runs in families. Treatments include creams, medicines, and light therapy.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease in which the immune system works too much, causing patches of skin to become scaly and inflamed.
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

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.