2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L51Erythema multiforme

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L49-L54›L51

ICD-10-CM L51
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

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

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Use Additional Code

  • code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug T36 T50
  • 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

Type 1 Excludes

  • staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome L00
  • Ritter's disease L00

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?
  • How can I keep my skin healthy?

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 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

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.