1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes
  3. L00–L99
  4. L55-L59
  5. L55
  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code L55
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L55

Sunburn

ICD-10-CM Code:
L55
ICD-10 Code for:
Sunburn
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
    (L00–L99)
    • Radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
      (L55-L59)
      • Sunburn
        (L55)

L55 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of sunburn. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 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 Sunburn

Non-specific codes like L55 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 sunburn:

  • Use L55.0 for Sunburn of first degree - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L55.1 for Sunburn of second degree - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L55.2 for Sunburn of third degree - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L55.9 for Sunburn, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • 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 Education


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. UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or at any temperature. They can also cause eye problems, wrinkles, skin spots, and skin cancer.

To protect yourself :

  • Stay out of the sun when it is strongest (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
  • Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection
  • Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds

Check your skin regularly for changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of birthmarks, moles, and spots. Such changes are a sign of skin cancer.

Food and Drug Administration


[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.