2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L51.8Other erythema multiforme

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L49-L54›L51

ICD-10-CM L51.8
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

L51.8 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other erythema multiforme. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 595 through 596. Coders also document this condition as erythema multiforme due to viral disease. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Allergic reactions and Other specified inflammatory condition of skin.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L51.8
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other erythema multiforme
Short Description
Other erythema multiforme
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
L51
Erythema multiforme

Code Classification

ChapterL00–L99Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
SectionL49-L54Urticaria and erythema
CategoryL51Erythema multiforme
This CodeL51.8Other erythema multiforme

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Erythema multiforme due to viral disease
  • Erythema multiforme, dermal type
  • Erythema multiforme, epidermal type
  • Erythema multiforme, mixed dermal-epidermal type
  • Erythema tuberculatum
  • Papular form erythema multiforme
  • Vesicobullous form erythema multiforme

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.

    • Erythema, erythematous(infectional) (inflammation)
      • multiforme (major) (minor)
        • specified NEC

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR INJ031
Allergic reactions
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient No · outpatient No
CCSR SKN002
Other specified inflammatory condition of skin
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

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.

Convert L51.8 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
695.11 Erythma multiforme minor
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.
ICD-9-CM
695.12 Erythema multiforme maj
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.
ICD-9-CM
695.19 Erythema multiforme NEC
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 L51.8Overview

Is L51.8 (Erythema multiforme) a billable code?

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

What MS-DRG does L51.8 group to?

When other erythema multiforme is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 595, 596, with relative weights from 1.0825 to 2.1207 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of L51.8?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other erythema multiforme converts to ICD-9-CM 695.11 (erythma multiforme minor), 695.12 (erythema multiforme maj), and 695.19 (erythema multiforme NEC). 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.