2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L51Erythema multiforme

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L49-L54›L51

ICD-10-CM L51
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

L51 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for erythema multiforme, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as L51.0, L51.1, L51.2, and L51.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L51
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Erythema multiforme
Short Description
Erythema multiforme
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
L49-L54
Urticaria and erythema

Code Classification

ChapterL00–L99Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
SectionL49-L54Urticaria and erythema
CategoryL51Erythema multiforme
This CodeL51Erythema multiforme

Specific Coding for Erythema multiformeOverview

Non-specific codes like L51 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use L51.0 for Nonbullous erythema multiforme

  • Use L51.1 for Stevens-Johnson syndrome

  • Use L51.2 for Toxic epidermal necrolysis [Lyell]

  • Use L51.3 for Stevens-Johnson syndrome-toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome

  • Use L51.8 for Other erythema multiforme

  • Use L51.9 for Erythema multiforme, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to L51: its own notes plus those printed at block L49-L54 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.

On L51 itself
  • staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (L00)
  • Ritter's disease (L00)
From Block L49-L54 Urticaria and erythema applies to 33 codes

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 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.-)

Use Additional Code

Add a second code, after this one, to fully describe the condition.

  • code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5)
  • code to identify associated manifestations, such as:
  • arthropathy associated with dermatological disorders (M14.8-)
  • conjunctival edema (H11.42)
  • conjunctivitis (H10.22-)
  • corneal scars and opacities (H17.-)
  • corneal ulcer (H16.0-)
  • edema of eyelid (H02.84-)
  • inflammation of eyelid (H01.8-)
  • keratoconjunctivitis sicca (H16.22-)
  • mechanical lagophthalmos (H02.22-)
  • stomatitis (K12.-)
  • symblepharon (H11.23-)
  • code to identify percentage of skin exfoliation (L49.-)

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

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name L51, its category, or a range that includes it.

Code First 1

These codes say to code first a condition named in the note, and L51 is one of the conditions named.

  • M14.8 Arthropathies in other specified diseases classified elsewhere
    erythema multiforme (L51.-)

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Erythema Multiforme

    a skin and mucous membrane disease characterized by an eruption of macules, papules, nodules, vesicles, and/or bullae with characteristic bull's-eye lesions usually occurring on the dorsal aspect of the hands and forearms.

Patient EducationClinical

Skin Conditions

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It covers the entire outside of your body. There are many ways that your skin protects your body and helps keep you healthy. For example, it:

The full article covers:

  • What does your skin do?
  • What problems and conditions can affect your skin?
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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 L51Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for erythema multiforme?

L51 is the ICD-10-CM category for erythema multiforme, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is L51 (Erythema multiforme) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for erythema multiforme, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for erythema multiforme need a more specific code from this category, such as L51.0, L51.1, and L51.2.

Can L51 be reported with L00?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on L51 lists "staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (L00)". 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).

Does L51 need an additional code?

When the condition applies, yes. The Use Additional Code note reads: code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5); code to identify associated manifestations, such as:; arthropathy associated with dermatological disorders (M14.8-); conjunctival edema (H11.42); conjunctivitis (H10.22-); and 9 more listed in the Instructional Notes section. The additional code is reported after L51.