2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L56Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L55-L59›L56

ICD-10-CM L56
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

L56 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as L56.0, L56.1, L56.2, and L56.3.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L56
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation
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
CategoryL56Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation
This CodeL56Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation

Specific Coding for Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiationOverview

Non-specific codes like L56 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use L56.0 for Drug phototoxic response

  • Use L56.1 for Drug photoallergic response

  • Use L56.2 for Photocontact dermatitis [berloque dermatitis]

  • Use L56.3 for Solar urticaria

  • Use L56.4 for Polymorphous light eruption

  • Use L56.5 for Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP)

  • Use L56.8 for Other specified acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation

  • Use L56.9 for Acute skin change due to ultraviolet radiation, unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Use Additional Code

  • code to identify the source of the ultraviolet radiation W89 X32

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 L56Overview

Is L56 (Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation need a more specific code from this category, such as L56.0, L56.1, and L56.2.