2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L55Sunburn

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L55-L59›L55

ICD-10-CM L55
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

L55 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for sunburn, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as L55.0, L55.1, L55.2, and L55.9.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L55
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Sunburn
Chapter
L55-L59
Radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Code Classification

ChapterL00–L99Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
SectionL55-L59Radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
CategoryL55Sunburn
This CodeL55Sunburn

Specific Coding for SunburnOverview

Non-specific codes like L55 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use L55.0 for Sunburn of first degree

  • Use L55.1 for Sunburn of second degree

  • Use L55.2 for Sunburn of third degree

  • Use L55.9 for Sunburn, unspecified

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Sunburn

    an injury to the skin causing erythema, tenderness, and sometimes blistering and resulting from excessive exposure to the sun. the reaction is produced by the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight.

  • Sunburn

    an inflammatory reaction from ultraviolet radiation characterized by transient redness, tenderness and occasional blistering.

Patient EducationClinical

Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible form of radiation. They can pass through your skin and damage your skin cells. Sunburns are a sign of skin damage. Suntans aren't healthy, either. They appear after the sun's rays have already killed some cells and damaged others.

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 L55Overview

Is L55 (Sunburn) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for sunburn, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for sunburn need a more specific code from this category, such as L55.0, L55.1, and L55.2.